German Sd.Kfz. 2 Kleines Kettenkraftrad (kl.K.Krad)

Hasegawa 1:72 Scale Vehicle Review

The picture shows a Kettenkrad painted RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb, using Humbrol 94 with 30% white added. The driver is a converted ESCI Fallschirmjäger wearing tropical uniform and a pale green camouflage smock during the 1943 campaign. The figure had to be cut apart at the waist to bring the legs forward into a sitting position. The two figure halves were then pinned together at a 90 degree angle, and the buttocks were reconstructed using Rai-Ro grey wax as a filler. Finally, the figure’s right arm was cut off at the shoulder and repositioned to reach for the handlebars. The paratrooper might be detailed further by adding goggles, an MP40 submachine gun, a map case, and other items of equipment one would expect to see on a vehicle crew member.

Contents

• VW Schwimmwagen with Driver and MG 42
• NSU Kettenkrad with Driver and Passenger
• Officer holding Map

Evaluation

• Excellent choice of subject. The Kettenkrad is a unique military vehicle.
• Scale model with good detail.
• Easy to build, only 11 parts, not counting the crew.
• Compatible with ESCI, Hasegawa, Revell, and Reviresco.

• The fork is based on an early prototype of the Kettenkrad, not the actual production model. Production models had a Notek night driving light below the headlight. To upgrade the model, place a scratchbuilt Notek light on the headlight mounting bracket, and glue the headlight to a scratchbuilt bracket in front of the handlebars.
• The driver does not fit the forward compartment of the Kettenkrad very well, because his upper thighs are too long and he ends up sitting on the engine deck. The legs need to be shortened to ensure a good fit. The driver’s waist should be about level with the compartment side panels.
• The passenger does not fit into the rear seat, and there is very little one can do to fix the problem.
• Fallschirmjäger crew members would have been more suitable, because the Kettenkrad was used as a light transport for parachute and airborne troops.
• The front tire is modelled without tread.

The Hasegawa model of the Kettenkrad is a quick and easy kit for simulation gamers. Expert modellers may want to build the vehicle with a Fallschirmjäger crew, replacing the regular infantry figures supplied with the kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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– Published: 01.08.2002 – Updated:
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