1:48 scale diecast vehicle from the Hobby Master Hobby Master 1:48 Ground Power Series HG1701 NSU Sd.Kfz.2 Kettenkrad German Army 116.PzDiv, Normandy, France, D-Day.

Length 3 inches
Width 1 inches

Features:
* Diecast metal and plastic construction.
* Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
* Selected opening hatches.
* Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks on detailed non-rotating wheels.
* Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
* Pad printed markings and placards.

The Sd.Kfz. 2 designation was for the Kettenkrad. Ketten means tracks and krad is the military abbreviation of Kraftrad. Originally intended for use by German airborne troops it was designed to fit inside the JU-52 aircraft. With its amazing ability to tow 4 tons the vehicle soon was used to tow light artillery and trailers as well as aircraft to save aviation fuel. One variant was specifically used for laying communication cables. The vehicle was turned using handlebars or in tandem with track brakes.

The 116th Panzer Division was known as the “Windhund – Greyhound- Division”. In March 1944 it was reconstituted from remnants of 16th Panzergrenadier Division and the 179th Reserve Panzer Division. When the Allies landed in Normandy in June 1944 the 116th PD was one of the units sent to repel the Allies. The division was one unit trapped in the Falaise Pocket and along with the 2nd SS Panzer defended the pocket long enough to allow German troops to escape. The 116th PD managed to escape but not before they were left with only 600 men and 12 tanks. On April 18, 1945 the 116th surrendered to the 9th U.S. Army when the became trapped in the Ruhr Pocket. The 116th Panzer Division had become known as the “famed and best German Panzer division”.