1:144 German Aufklaerer 38D withMetal Barrel

This model kit contains two resin parts and one metal barrel, unpainted and unassembled, to build one Aufklaerer 38D.

38D - (Source: Panzer Tracts no. 20-2) In October 1944 German Panzerkommission decided to standardize future Panzer production to use only 3 types of chassis, the 38 (t), Panther and Tiger. Unfortunately the 38 (t) chassis was poorly suited for production by German industries and supply seriously fell short of the demand. A new leichter (light) chassis was redesigned for German production based on the 38 (t). The new chassis would be wider and mounting a new 220 hp Tatra diesel engine. The new chassis was named as 38 D, also known as Pz. 38 “Reich”.

Vehicles planned to utilize the chassis included:
1. Aufklaerer 38D mit 2cm im Drehturm (Reconnaissance vehicle with 20mm gun in turret);
2. Aufklaerer 38D mit 7.5cm L/48 ( (Reconnaissance vehicle with 75mmL/48 gun);
3. Panzerfahrzeug mit Granatwerfer (Armoured vehicle with 12cm mortar);
4. Halbgruppenfahrzeug (Armoured personnel carrier for half of an infantry section);
5. Kugelblitz 38D

The Aufklaerer 38D had a longer hull and track contact length. With a different gear ratio gear box, the Aufklaerer 38D was a faster vehicle than the regular 38 D although the engine remained the same.

This model of Aufklaerer 38D mit 2cm im Drehturm features a 2 cm Hängelafette 38 turret with a 2 cm KwK 38 cannon, that was used on theAufklärungspanzer 38(t), but on a Aufklaerer 38D chassis. This was to replace the Aufklaerer auf Fahrgestell PzKpfw 38(t) in service.