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Hello!

I'm looking for a wheeled kit, preferably of German origin from WW2 era, that could replace the Taurox. As some of you may know, I run Wehrmacht themed Guard (more about that in my PM plog) and I'd like to deploy the Taurox, but the original kit is hideous and using the SdKfz 251 is not viable, as I already use them as Chimeras. I also really like how some people converted it to a MRAP-style vehicle and I'd like if it looked like one, but concept of MRAP was still unknown in the 1940's. Does any of you know about a kit or kits that could serve this purpose? I'm not afraid of heavy conversions and kitbashes even of multiple kits, I just want that the vehicle would look like it may have be from that era, even when it really isn't.

tl;dr: Looking for a Taurox replacement kit that would at least partially fit the aestherics of WW2 German army.

Uparmored Opel Blitz Maultier or Raupenschlepper Ost?

Those would be lighter transport options compared to the SdKfz 251, and might fit the comparison between a Chimera and Taurox. Plus, they're tracked trucks which should preserve some of the appearance of the Taurox.

Maybe 8-rad conversion: http://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/nazi_germany/Sd-Kfz-231_8-rad.php

Its not transport vehicle but from my perspective with some additionall conversion can do the job well.

Additionally Panzerwerfer can be a good chasis for transport model: http://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/nazi_germany/SdKfz-4_Panzerwerfer.php

I'd like to have fully wheeled vehicle. I found SdKfz 247 3-axle, that might be useful, but the hull would require heavy modifications.

Also, I got a crazy idea of buying modern MRAP like BAe Caiman or Cougar 6x6 and replacing the whole front part of the vehicle with something from WW2. The 231 8-rad, perhaps.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Something like... this.

The 8-wheeled Panzerspähwagen might be the best fit, though if it seems too small for a transport you can probably bulk up the rear part of the chassis to give it a more boxy shape.

If the 251 isn't viable as it's your chimera stand in why not use the 250 as the Taurox?
Use as is. Or add wheels

ValentineGames wrote:
If the 251 isn't viable as it's your chimera stand in why not use the 250 as the Taurox?
Use as is. Or add wheels

The replacement model should have similar dimensions. 251 is about 12cm long, which is very close to Chimera. Sadly, 250 would be about 9, which is 2cm less than Taurox.

The SdKfz250 would certainly seem to fit your theme, and look great next to the 251s. If the 2cm length is the only issue, wouldn't adding some jerrycans or similar front or rear stowage solve that?

Otherwise, one of the various 6/8-wheeled SdKfz231/2/4 etc - even though they technically weren't APCs, perhaps in your alternate universe they were given APC variants.

From a quick look in my big book of WW2 German AFVs, those are the only obvious options - anything more obscure will just get you more arguments from WW2 buffs

I don't think anyone will worry about 2cm

After surveying the market and doing countless calculations, the final conclusion would be to use SdKfz 234 /1 or Sdkfz234/2 in 1/48 scale and build a troop carrying extension behind the turret.

Dimensions of said vehicle are 120mm in length, 48mm in width (needs adding something to make it at least 60mm wide) and 43mm in height (where is the same problem as there is with the width).
Original Taurox dimensions are roughly 110mm/70mm/70mm.
The turret should easily carry 2 autocannons and if I use the 234/1 variant with open-topped turret, I can make some details inside, along with a gunner.

If you're brave, widen the entire hull by chopping it in half longitudinally and adding spacers - most of the join would be hidden by the hull extensions, except at the front. That will also give you a bit more room for the angled hull top (i.e. the sides start further away and so can be made higher without resulting in a stupidly narrow hull top.

Personally, I'd make the whole hull top the same height as the new rear troop compartment, then stick the turret on top of that - easier to build and will look more cohesive.

Cutting the entire half is possible, but just widening the fenders is way easier and "safer" if you know what I mean. That's what I did with the SdKfz 251. It also created a plenty of space for additional equipment and gear storage. (see my PM blog, it's the very last entry to this date)

I'll make a few drawings and consider the posibilities when I get my hands on that kit, but I'll definitely consider your suggestion. On the front, there are no fine details that can be ruined that way, haha.
Thank you.