Sd.Kfz.3a Maultier Half Track. DRAGON 6761

Assembly plastic kit of a German Sd.Kfz.3a Opel Maultier Half Track. Highly detailed pieces including photo etched parts.

The origin of this vehicle dated from 1941 when German troops fighting on the Eastern Front quickly bogged down in the treacherously muddy conditions at the start and close of wintertime. Wheeled trucks couldn’t handle the tough conditions, so the decision was made to obtain half-tracked trucks that could negotiate the mud. The rear axles of standard cargo trucks were replaced with drive shafts connected to track assemblies from retired Panzer I light tanks. The 7.1-tonne Maultier, introduced from 1942 onwards, was largely successful although they weren’t quite as mobile as purpose-built halftracks. Load capacity was also reduced to 2 tons. Production of some 4,000 vehicles ceased in 1943 in favor of the RSO tractor.