Sd Kfz 7 (8-ton) Tractor (GE271) Two Models The Sd Kfz 7 (mittlerer Zugkraftwagen 8t) had its origins in designs by Krauss-Maffei in 1928, but the development only really started when, in 1934, the General Staff of the army requested an 8-ton tracked tractor design.

The vehicle that appeared in 1938 gained its fame as the prime mover for the famous 88 anti-aircraft gun family, the FlaK 18, 36 and 37, but it was also used as a tractor for many other artillery pieces, like the 15cm sFH 18 howitzer and the 10.5cm K18 gun. The Sd Kfz 7 could transport 12 men with their equipment and still had space for ammunition and other equipment, fuel or supplies.

The vehicle could haul weights up to 8000kg. It also mounted a winch capable of pulling up to 3450kg. Sd Kfz 7 was greatly admired by its crews and proved ideally adapted for its role. The production of the Sd Kfz 7 series stopped in 1944, by then it had already been produced in remarkable amounts by Krauss-Maffei in Munich, Sauserwerke in Vienna, and Borgward in Bremen.

In Flames Of War The main role of the Sd Kfz 7 in FOW is as the towing vehicle for the dreaded 88, which it does well hauling it cross-country at 12”/30cm.         Designed by Evan Allen Painted by Jeremy Painter