ICM 1/35 WWII German Panzerspahwagen P204(f) Railway Armored Vehicle Kit

The most popular model of all the French armored cars, colloquially known as the “Pan-Pan”, in reference to Panhard, was also one of the longest-living, most produced and most widely used armored car before, during and after World War Two. It was a tribute to its qualities, a good balance between mobility, firepower and protection. Panhard is still the French reference builder of armored cars and wheeled tanks today. Development of the model 178 began with a 1931 specification from the cavalry, for a modern, long range and fast reconnaissance vehicle classed as an AMD (“Automitrailleuse de Découverte”). The final specs came in November 1932 and asked for a 4-ton wheeled vehicle capable of cruising up to 400 km (250 mi), with a top speed of 70 km/h (44 mph), a 12 m (39 ft) turning radius, 8 mm (0.31 in) of armor and a 20 mm (0.79 in) main gun and coaxial 7.5 mm (0.295 in) machine-gun. By 1933, Panhard, Renault, Berliet and Latil proposed prototypes. Panhard was the earliest bidder, demonstrating, in January 1934, its special prototype 178 before the Commission de Vincennes with a provisional Avis 13.2 mm (0.52 in) machine gun turret. It was accepted with some modifications, despite being over the weight and size specs, and tested again in late 1934 by the cavalry. It was accepted as the AMD 35 (or “modèle 1935”).