What is diff. between Half-track 251 ausf. C & ausf. D?

Philip · Post by **Philip** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 8:17 pm

I just got my Dragon 1/72 Half-track, Ausf. C. As mentioned, this is a great model. I see that Dragon is also doing a model 251, Ausf. D. Does anybody know how they are different. Do they have any "visual" differences, or is this one of those "internal" changes, like suspension, etc., that would not show up on the model.

Tshintl · Post by **Tshintl** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 8:54 pm

The most noticeable difference between the C & D version is the D version had the armored body simplified with a reverse sloping rear end. The air intakes were under the engine side armor and there were stowage boxes permanently fitted to the sides instead of mudguards.

Below is a picture of a C & D version. Notice the way the rear of the halftrack is different.

donnieboy · Post by **donnieboy** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 8:58 pm

Dear Phillip:
I am not an expert on German WWII armour, but I do have a number of books that discuss the Hanomag SD KFZ 251 Half-track. They say the ausf.C had sides that sloped inward, and externally-mounted storage boxes along the sides. The ausf. D had straight, vertical sides because its storage boxes were integral with the side sheet metal. The 1:18 21st Century Sd KFZ 251 is an ausf D. I think some of the upcoming Dragon 251s in 1:72 may be Cs, but don't quote me on that!

Oh, I think there were some minor differences in the front bumper between the C and D (maybe a winch?). I'll check ASAP.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 9:16 pm

Thanks, guys. Once I looked closely at the models, the differences you mentioned jumped out at me!

grockwood · Post by **grockwood** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 8:48 pm

One more difference between the "C" and "D" is the front plate on the "C" angles back on the lower front and the "D" just has one angle.