I want to make a Sdkfz 231(8 rad) armoured scout car. If I use the Tamiya Sdkfz 232 kit, other than leaving off the large frame antenna, what other changes need to be done? Do I need to add single antenna mounts elsewhere? I thought I read something about differences in early and late versions, no front armour or spare tire? I have looked around on the internet but could not find any articles on converting the Tamiya kit. Also, I have seen photos of Sdkfz 231's used at Kursk, can anyone tell me what markings these would have (which unit)? And what color would these vehicles be? And finally, other than a PE set, does the Tamiya kit need any other after market sets to improve it (strengths and weaknesses of the kit)? Thanks.

If you know any good links on the net that might help, please let me know.

I'm plotting this one myself and am busy accumulating references. I recently acquired two issues of Tankograd Militaer Fahrzeug magazine (3/2004 and 4/2004) which look to have some useful photos as well, and Allied Axis 4 has some more. I plan on using Dragon Sdkfz 250 vision ports for mine and have already started work on some of the other fixes.

Robert

SdKfz 231 8 Rad late from early
May 12 2003 at 5:33 PM
Bryan Starkey
Am thinking of buying the old Tamiya 231 and wondered how much work would be involved to convert it into a mid or late version. Are the body and turret dimensionally correct for a later version? Is there a tweaks list for this vehicle around somewhere? Best reference for doing this conversion?

phil stutcinskas
new connection ...
May 12 2003, 5:49 PM
New Connection of Germany did a conversion/update kit for the Tamiya kit to make it into a late version. I have one and it seems pretty nice although I haven't built it yet.

roy chow
SdKfz 232 or 231 mid-late production
May 12 2003, 6:30 PM
Without getting out calipers and angles, the Tamiya 232 8rad appears accurate and useful for the base of a mid to late production conversion. I think the most useful book is Museum Ordnance's booklet on the SdKfz 232.

I started researching for a mid production one that I wanted to do myself. From what I can recall here's what you need to convert the Tamiya kit into a later mark:
1. Replace the various view ports. I cast some from existing ones found in the Tamiya SdKfz 251 and the DML Hummel. The late production ones had fewer. Consult photos as there seemed to be variations between ports on hulls and turrets.
2. Modify the turret. Some require view port replacement. I scratchbuilt the front of the turret and added various bolts. A Jordi Rubio barrel is necessary.
3. I think the Eduard detail set is essential to replace the thick Tamiya parts. Replace where necessary. I shaved off the hinges from the kit parts and glued them onto the brass doors rather than use Eduard’s flat hinges with flat bolt detail. Eduard's engine louvres are terrific!
4. Late production versions had a modified fender and muffler set up.

That's all I can think of. After doing many of these modifications, I've set my project aside as I lost motivation. I'm pretty sure I'll return to it someday...

Geoff Baines
Late model 231
May 13 2003, 9:58 AM
One or two more differences, the late model had a simplified front, similar to that found on the 234 series. Also, in one photo I've seen, it would appear that the mudguards were altered. They seem to be one piece, but not like those on the 234s (could be a field modification though).