Description
ICM Sd.Kfz. 251/1 Stuka zu Fuss with 3 Crew Figures 1/35 Model Kit
The ICM Sd.Kfz. 251/1 Stuka zu Fuss (35108) is a 1/35 scale plastic model kit of the German WWII half-track converted into a heavy multiple rocket launcher. Based on the Sd.Kfz. 251/1 Ausf. B armoured personnel carrier, this version carried six external rocket launch frames mounted along the sides of the hull.
The kit contains 452 parts, including three crew figures in rocket-loading poses, high-explosive and incendiary rockets, and decals for three marking options. The loading figures provide a way to depict the vehicle during preparation for firing, with the crew handling the large rocket containers beside the half-track.
The Sd.Kfz. 251/1 Stuka zu Fuss
In 1941, the German Wehrmacht began receiving self-propelled multiple rocket launchers equipped with 28/32 cm Nebelwerfer 41 rockets. The Sd.Kfz. 251/1 armoured half-track was among the vehicles adapted to carry this heavy rocket armament.
The conversion involved fitting supporting frameworks along the sloping sides of the armoured hull. Each side carried three launch frames, giving the vehicle six rocket positions in total. The additional equipment reduced the space available inside the troop compartment, which accommodated a crew of three or four soldiers rather than the ten panzergrenadiers carried by the standard personnel carrier.
These vehicles provided heavy fire support for German tank and panzergrenadier formations. The rockets produced a distinctive whistling sound during flight, reminiscent of the Junkers Ju 87 dive bomber. This led to the nickname “Stuka zu Fuss”, meaning “Stuka on Foot”.
Rocket Launching System and Crew
Preparing the Stuka zu Fuss for firing was physically demanding. Crew members manually lifted the rocket launch frames and secured them to the brackets on the vehicle’s sides. The considerable weight of the rockets and their containers made reloading a lengthy operation.
The launch frames could be elevated between +5 and +40 degrees using a lifting mechanism. Horizontal aiming required the entire half-track to be turned towards the target, with two special positioning pins mounted on the engine bonnet assisting with alignment.
ICM includes three crew figures posed for rocket-loading duties, allowing the model to represent this characteristic aspect of operating the weapon system.
Model Kit Features and Contents
- 1/35 scale Sd.Kfz. 251/1 Ausf. B Stuka zu Fuss
- 452 parts in total (425 + 27)
- Six external rocket launch frames
- High-explosive and incendiary rockets
- Three crew figures in rocket-loading poses
- Accurately reproduced armoured hull geometry
- Decals for three marking options
- Completed model length: 170 mm
- Completed model height: 60 mm
- Detailed assembly instructions
Assembly and Marking Options
The model reproduces the distinctive arrangement of the rocket launch frames along the sloping sides of the Sd.Kfz. 251/1 hull. The three loading figures can be positioned around the vehicle to illustrate the work involved in preparing the launcher for action.
Decals for three marking options provide choices for finishing the German half-track. The completed 170 mm model combines the armoured vehicle, heavy rocket armament and loading crew in a single WWII military modelling subject.
