From 21st Century Press Release:

21st Century Toys introduces the next 1:18 scale armor piece- the Sdkfz. 251/7 Pioneerpanzerwagen!

The following background and product specifications were provided to AREA-21 by Product Development Manager Roy Sutherland.


This dedicated engineering vehicle was a variant of the very successful Sdkfz. 251 family of German halftracks designed and built by Hanomag during WWII. The Pioneerwagen carried two portable bridge sections used for fording small streams and ravines. This version could also be fitted with a 2.8cm schwere Panzerbuchse 41 Anti-Tank gun. This was a small but very powerful weapon. This compact gun drew its impressive hitting power from its tapered bore design. The barrel tapered from 2.8cm down to 2cm at the muzzle. As the shell traveled down the barrel, it was squeezed down in diameter, converting the explosive pressure to higher kinetic energy. This resulted in extremely high muzzle velocity, which gave the relatively small projectile a much more devastating punch. This gun was popular and used on many fronts, until the increasingly heavily armored tanks outstripped the Panzer Busche 41’s ability to penetrate.

The Pioneerpanzerwagen is a superbly realized piece of 1/18th armor. There are many working features. Tracks and wheels roll. Engine compartment doors open to reveal a detailed engine. The interior is very complete. The Anti tank rifle is fully posable and is authentically detailed down to its spaced armor shields. 2.8cm ammo boxes are also included. The hull mounted racks carry two accurate and detailed bridge sections that can be removed for diorama scenes and added play value.

The Sdkfz. 251/7 is the first in a line of new armor releases in the XD 1/18th scale armor line. More releases will be announced over the next few weeks, and we are sure that collectors will be extremely happy with all the new products coming down the pipe. This will be a very big year for 1/18th armor aficionados!