Sd Kfz 250-252-253 Info you might want to know.

[toyrific]

Hi All

With all the talk and interest in the 250, 252 and 253 I thought I would add some information that some of you may not know and find interesting.

One would expect that these vehicles were produced in numerical order, the 250 coming first. It is likely the 250 was designed first or at the same time as the 252 and 253. However the 252 came first as a ammunition carrier followed by the 253 as a command vehicle for Stug units, when the shortcomings of the 253 in front line duty alongside StuGs was seen they were replaced with StuGs as quickly as possible and the 253 was relegated down to artillery commanders use and forward observer vehicles.

The "classic" 250 Alt had been planned almost at the same time as the 253 but it was never supposed to share the 253 body. The opportunity to redesign and improve the basic body and details before the "classic" 250 went into full production was taken.

What was left of the original 253 production were then utilized to make the first 250’s using the 253 body by removing the roof and rebuilding the interior to 250 specifications.

Main differences that can be seen between the converted 253, type 1 and the classic 250, type 2 are. Type 1 (converted 253) has the front number plate mounted on brackets below the front engine armor plate, type 2 has the number plate stenciled in the armor plate. The curved shield under the nose on type 1 was set back behind the number plate brackets, type 2 had the shield level with the front armor. The driver and co-driver vision slits where change from two slits on type 1 to a single slit on type 2. Width indicators were mounted further forward on type 2, Type 1 had a ‘U’ shaped plate welded to the top right rear of the crew compartment armor, this plate is covering the original hole for the antenna cable on a 253.


Rommel’s “GREIF” was a converted 253.

There are other difference such as the 253 is longer than a 250, the rear armor plate is at a different angle, there is no vision slit in the rear door on a type 2, the driver glacis plate are at different angles and so on. If you really need to study these vehicles I recommend the Total Detail Books which appear to have the best information.

The above information may not be 100% correct, but this is my findings in the research I have done and information I have been given.

Titles are:
Total Detail Sd Kfz 250/1 Alt ‘GD’ Living History
Total Detail Sd Kfz 250 Alt - Neu Archive Part 2
Total Detail Sd Kfz 252 - 253 early 250 Archive Part 1 (Just Published)

Link to Publisher: http://www.total-detail.co.uk/index.asp

Regards
Mike

[SplFrcsCWO]

Great info. I didn't know there is supposed to be a shield between the front tires. When was that introduced? Is it a simple item to make?
TIA

[Pangaea95]

Thanks for the info Mike, I still have yet to really get started on mine, collecting parts for the moment, but with all the great info everyones been sharing, and all the cool custom 250's and other varients being posted, I am more than looking forward to working on It

[Sixth Vanguard]

Mike, that picture helps explain a lot.

Notice the difference in the front fender lips, and finally comparison of the headlights can easily be recognized.

Thanks Mike

[toyrific]

The shield between the front wheels was fitted to all 250 series, 252 and 253 from original production. I do not have proof of what the shield was for but appears to be some sort of deflection plate to protect the center parts of the front wheel steering, spring and any other parts located in that area. This plate would prevent damage to those parts and stop tree branches and other debris from jamming in the spring and steering. I could be totally wrong on this and the shield is for something else.

Here is a good picture of the shield fitted to a 250 Alt type 2. It appears the shield was also fitted as shown in this picture to the 250 neu and 252, only the 253 and subsequently the 250 Alt type 1 (converted 253) had the shield set back behind the number plate brackets. Note that this 250 Alt is armed with a MG42.


Here is a picture with some travel damage to the shield.


Mike

[egonzinc]

More interesting info and interesting photos!
lets put that last one in the department of "never say never".
Clearly LW troops on this vehicle with a WH liscense plate!

That front lower shield seems to be asking to be bashed in!
:-o
E

[johnro6659]

Here is a pic of the front shield on my 250 alt. It was a really easy addition as you can see I used a thin piece of styrene and a small square strene roda couple small screws to attach it to the front axel. I used a little heat to add the dents.

[toyrific]

Nice job John, a very easy upgrade with plastic or thin metal which is why I never offered it as a kit.

Mike

[xacto11]

I believe the sheild is actually to help prevent debris from damaging the radiator. There was a gap between the front armor and the suspension mount that allowed air the pass through the engine compartment and out through the screened openings in front of the driver's visors.