Royal Models #223 Sd. Kfz. 250/9 "Neu"

Frank De Sisto

ROYAL MODELS No. 223, Sd. Kfz. 250/9 "Neu" 2cm Reconnaissance. 10 resin parts, two p-e brass frets 1.5 x 1.75 and 1.75 x 3.75 inches, one piece of copper wire, and one single-sided A4 size instruction sheet in 5 steps. Price: $28.95 USD. Available from Chesapeake Model Designs at PO Box 393, Monkton, MD, 21111, USA. Web site: www.cmdmodels.com.

Like most Royal sets, this set is a combination of very high quality resin and photo-etch parts and excellent instructions. It should be considered a "part 2" set as you only get items which detail the particular variant mentioned, not the actual base kit.

Step 1 provides replacement parts for the turret external bins and other details.
Step 2 replaces the screens and frames on the turret roof.
Step 3 provides a resin radio with p-e mounts and headphones.
Step 4 has details for the gun mount that includes gun sight, resin mg 42, ammo pouch, and resin flash suppresser for the 2cm gun. An antenna mount and other bits are also supplied.
Step 5 provides some external detail in the form of a jerry can rack, notek light mount and some straps and brackets.

Royal also has two other sets for variants of the 250 "Neu". They are No. 224, for the 250/8 7.5cm "Stummel" and No. 225 for the 250/5 command vehicle.

Rating: Highly recommended. Skill level: basic.