1/35 Medias Orugas

The Essential Role of Half-Tracks in WWII

Half-track vehicles represented one of the most significant tactical innovations of World War II, combining the cross-country mobility of tracked vehicles with the speed and efficiency of wheeled transport. These versatile armored fighting vehicles served every major combatant nation in roles ranging from armored personnel carriers and mobile command posts to anti-aircraft platforms, artillery tractors, and specialized weapons carriers. The German Sd.Kfz. (Sonderkraftfahrzeug or "special purpose vehicle") series became the most extensive and diverse family of half-tracks ever produced, with the Sd.Kfz. 251 and Sd.Kfz. 250 serving as the backbone of mechanized infantry operations throughout the war.

German Sd.Kfz. 251 Series - The Iconic Hanomag

The Sd.Kfz. 251 armored personnel carrier, commonly known as the "Hanomag" after its primary manufacturer, stands as one of the most recognizable military vehicles of WWII. This collection features extensive coverage of the 251 series across multiple variants and production types. The Ausf. C (Ausführung C or "version C") represents early to mid-war production with distinctive features including the complex armored body construction, while the simplified Ausf. D variant introduced rationalized production methods with flat armor plates that dramatically increased manufacturing efficiency. Specialized variants include the 251/1 standard personnel carrier, 251/9 "Stummel" mounting the short 75mm gun for close infantry support, 251/17 command vehicle with additional radio equipment, 251/21 "Drilling" anti-aircraft variant with triple 15mm or 20mm guns, 251/16 flame-thrower version, and numerous other specialized configurations for engineering, observation, and weapons carrier roles.

Sd.Kfz. 250 Light Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle

The Sd.Kfz. 250 series represented a lighter, more compact half-track design based on the one-ton chassis, serving primarily in reconnaissance, command, and specialized support roles. This collection includes the 250/1 basic reconnaissance vehicle, 250/3 command variant with enhanced communications equipment (including the famous "Greif" used by Rommel), 250/5 observation vehicle for artillery spotting, 250/8 mounting the short 75mm gun, and 250/9 reconnaissance vehicle armed with the 20mm autocannon. The lighter weight and smaller size made these vehicles ideal for fast-moving reconnaissance units and headquarters elements requiring mobility and protection.

Heavy Half-Tracks and Artillery Tractors

Beyond personnel carriers, this collection showcases the heavy half-track tractors that provided mobility for German artillery and heavy weapons. The Sd.Kfz. 7 eight-ton half-track served as the prime mover for the famous 88mm Flak gun and other medium artillery pieces, with variants including the 7/1 mounting the quad 20mm Flakvierling anti-aircraft system and the 7/2 carrying the 37mm Flak gun. Heavier tractors include the Sd.Kfz. 6 five-ton, Sd.Kfz. 8 twelve-ton, Sd.Kfz. 9 eighteen-ton, and Sd.Kfz. 11 three-ton variants, each designed to tow specific artillery pieces and equipment across all terrain conditions. The Sd.Kfz. 10 one-ton tractor appears in multiple configurations including the 10/4 and 10/5 anti-aircraft variants mounting 20mm Flak guns.

American Half-Track Development

American half-track development followed parallel paths with the M2 and M3 series serving as armored personnel carriers and weapons platforms. This collection includes the M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage mounting quad .50 caliber machine guns for anti-aircraft defense, the M15 Combination Gun Motor Carriage with 37mm gun and twin .50 caliber mounts, and various specialized variants. American half-tracks saw extensive service with U.S. forces and were supplied to Allied nations including the Soviet Union and Free French forces through Lend-Lease programs.

Premium Manufacturers and Quality Standards

This collection brings together the finest half-track kits from the world's leading armor model manufacturers. AFV Club delivers exceptional engineering with precise fit, comprehensive detail parts, and innovative construction methods that simplify complex assemblies. Dragon Models offers extensive variant coverage with their renowned "Smart Kit" technology featuring slide-molded parts, detailed interiors, and multiple build options in single boxes. Tamiya provides legendary quality with perfect fit, clear instructions, and buildability that makes these kits accessible to modelers of all skill levels. Trumpeter contributes comprehensive coverage of heavy tractors and specialized variants with excellent detail and competitive pricing. ICM brings fresh tooling and innovative engineering to classic subjects with modern manufacturing standards.

Building and Detailing Half-Track Models

The 1/35 scale provides the ideal canvas for highly detailed half-track models with sufficient size to accommodate intricate track assemblies, detailed interiors, photo-etched enhancement parts, and comprehensive weathering techniques. Most kits in this collection feature optional open or closed crew compartments allowing display of detailed interiors, individual track links or simplified link-and-length track systems, multiple marking options representing various units and theaters, and optional stowage and equipment pieces for customization. Advanced modelers can enhance these kits with aftermarket photo-etched detail sets, turned metal gun barrels, resin upgrade components, and figure sets representing vehicle crews and embarked infantry.

Expand Your Armored Vehicle Collection

Complement these specialized half-track kits with our comprehensive 1/35 Tanks collection featuring main battle tanks, tank destroyers, and self-propelled guns that operated alongside half-tracks in combined arms formations. Explore our 1/35 AFV Club Military Vehicles collection for additional specialized armor subjects with AFV Club's renowned engineering quality. Discover manufacturer-specific collections including 1/35 AFV Club Tanks, 1/35 Tamiya Tanks, and 1/35 Trumpeter Tanks to explore each manufacturer's unique approach to armor modeling. For different scale options, visit our 1/72 Military Vehicles collection for smaller scale armor perfect for large dioramas and wargaming, or our 1/16 Military Vehicles collection for impressive large-scale display pieces with maximum detail potential.

Historical Accuracy and Research Resources

Every kit in this collection represents actual vehicles that saw combat service, with accurate dimensional relationships, proper armament configurations, authentic unit markings, and period-correct details that satisfy both modelers and military historians. The extensive variant coverage allows recreation of specific vehicles from documented photographs, unit histories, and combat reports. Whether you're building a specific vehicle from a particular battle, assembling a complete mechanized infantry company, or creating a comprehensive display representing half-track evolution throughout the war, these kits provide the foundation for historically accurate and visually impressive models that honor the vehicles and crews who served in them.