Sd.Kfz. 263

Manufacturer: Al.By (Kit # 800)

Submitted by Dave Showell

Al-by's Sd Kfz 263 radio equipped armoured car is another great kit from this French manufacturer. Moulded in the usual light yellow resin, the detail is definitely "Al-by" - the standard for resin small scale, in my view. There are a few small air bubbles to be filled and some flash to remove (particularly from the "bedframe antenna) but nothing serious. The hull is cast as a solid block, so it cannot be opened up without great difficulties. Steve Guthrie, a noted master of small scale armour here in Canada, says that one of the most important things in any kit is getting the wheels right. If the wheel aren't correct, it doesn't matter how good the rest of the kit is - its not going to look right. In this case the wheels really make the grade - very nice moulding and tread pattern. Only one thing concerns me, the kit shows a noticeable demarcation line between the "regular" hull top and the added radio compartment (see closeup). This line does not show up in the colour plates I have. I'll have to check some of the photos to see whether this line has to be puttied over. Now I have to decide whether or not I'm going to attempt doing it as an Aufklarungs 3 armoured car from North Africa (mud cammo!!).