So, Bob, perhaps this 223 kit will also use bits from their 222 kit, which I think I read does have a full interior. I have read that the first 223s were based on the 222 body, but I didn't want to go speculating too much that this was the case here based on just that one image.

Matt L.; Yes, the 223 were built up using the current-serie 222 bodies, with modifications to the roof for the smaller turret, addition of the frame antenna and its mounts and operating system, installation of a substantial radio set and all the related hardware, and a different pedestal for that dinkier 223 turret. There were a bunch of interior detail mods - deletion of the 2cm ammo racks and such, addition of a storage bin and a small map table and a jump seat, etc. Basically, a 223 was a down-gunned 222 with addition of a radio suite - and not a reworked 221 (even though the 223 also had a tiny MG turret, like that 221. The hull and interior were different.) And 223 were produced even after the 222 had stopped production, while the 221 went out of production much earlier in the war. I loved the first HB 223 model, albeit HB really did blow both the interior (no radio suite, etc.! Lots of other wrong stuff) AND the frame antenna and its mounts. Basically, HB gave us a late-war serie-5 223 hull with an earlier-war frame antenna and mounts. I ended up scratching in part of the radio-racks, the map table, the jump seat and other stuff in back and the radio op's seat and map table up front, and a whole new antenna system. I'm hoping that HB includes an interior in this new kit - they almost have to, given it is visible through the turret and roof whether the hull doors are closed or not. And they have been generous with their other 22x kits in this regard. I really hope that this time they give us some radio racks and stuff, this being a radio car, after all! I don't expect that the interior will be very accurate, albeit hope springs eternal. Another, more subtle area of concern is the suspension... Which version will HB include? But regardless, whether one obsesses and tries to fix it for accuracy or just builds it up "as is", these SdKfz 22x kits are a lot of solid modeling pleasure in my opinion, and there's plenty to fiddle with for those who wish to. I'm pretty sure that HB will keep pretty much to their established form with this one, and I'll probably get one to add to my future Viking send-off, if not to actually build! Bob

just bring on the leopard 2a4m that is the kit

Thank You, Matthew! TRUMPETER, HOBBY BOSS and MERIT, who work hand-in-glove with each other, have got quite a line-up for 2016, with new items to keep a broad spectrum of 1/35, 1/48 and 1/350 modellers happy! I especially LIKE the idea of these 3 manufacturers covering WWI, Inter-war, WWII, and "Modern" subjects... :-)--

Are HB just rereleasing the Tristar kits or are they going to realise new variants using the parts.

Love the Leichter Panzerspahwagen. Can't have too many radio vehicles and recce denizens!

The Tristar kits are released in the same format as they were by Tristar, this does include the amount of photo etched parts that were included. I have a couple of them and the price in the UK makes these exceptional kits to pick up.

It's a great thing, I think, that HB is actually bringing these old Tristar kits out just as originally done, complete with link tracks, interior stuff, engines in some kis, and, in many cases, more than a little PE. That said, YES, I, too think that it could be nice were HB to maybe build on the fine bases provided by some of these ex-Tristar kits... Of course, this would entail developing new runner trees and parts for the new variants in the lines - and it would be fair to expect that these new modified kits could come at some higher price. Cheers! Bob

Vickers medium, that's me sorted