Ryefield model 5134 1:35 Sd.Kfz.234/3 SCHWERER PANZERSPÄHWAGEN 7.5cm Stummel

The Sd.Kfz 234 was developed as the new standard reconnaissance vehicle for the Wehrmacht. It was largely based on the chassis of the Sd.Kfz 231 (8-Rad), with a completely new, more powerful engine and, in later versions, reinforced main armament. The new vehicle had very good off-road capabilities and a much higher maximum speed compared to the Sd.Kfz 231 (8-Rad). Several versions of this vehicle were created during serial production. Chronologically, the first version was the Sd.Kfz 234/1, equipped only with a 20mm KwK 38 cannon as its main armament. In September 1943, production of the Sd.Kfz 234/2 version began, which was armed with a 50mm KwK 39 L/60 cannon in a fully armored and rotating turret. Later, the Sd.Kfz 234/3 version was developed, armed with a 75mm KwK 37 L/24 cannon, serving as an infantry support vehicle. The final version was the Sd.Kfz 234/4, armed with a PaK 40 L/46 cannon, caliber 75mm. Vehicles of the Sd.Kfz 234 series from all versions mainly served in the Wehrmacht’s armored divisions on both the Eastern and Western fronts until the end of World War II.