Preview: WWII German Sd.Kfz.2 Kettenkraftrad Freedom model kits 1/16th scale
WWII German Sd.Kfz.2 Kettenkraftrad
Freedom model kits
Kit No #16001
1/16th scale
Expected in shops in September 2021
The Subject: Sd.Kfz.2 Kettenkraftrad
The Kettenkrad was typical of vehicles designed and manufactured for the German Wehrmacht during WW2: innovative, well made, but over complicated and expensive to make. Designated 'SdKfz 2' by the German Army, the Kettenkrad was an ingenious half motorcycle, half tracked vehicle, hence its name – 'ketten' meaning tracks, 'krad' meaning Krafttrad or motorcycle.
It was designed for German airborne forces as a light, multi-terrain, towing vehicle and was the only gun tractor small enough to fit inside the hold of the Junkers Ju 52 transport aircraft. Steering was accomplished by turning the handlebars; if little movement was used then the wheel alone would steer the vehicle; however, if the 'bars were turned further, the track brakes would be engaged (just like a tank) to turn more sharply.
The handlebar had a twist-grip throttle, just like a motorcycle, but the transmission was car-type, incorporating a three-speed gearbox and foot operated clutch. There were high and low transmission ranges: 'Gelande' - off-road and 'Strasse' – street, for a total of six speeds. The engine was the super reliable 1,478cc inline water-cooled unit from the Opel Olympia car, also in use with the Wehrmacht.
The tracked system was very advanced, using roller bearings and padded tracks. This gave rise to an extraordinary top speed of 50mph on road surfaces, although the instruction manual advised a maximum of 44! In any event, it was the fastest tracked vehicle of WW2.
Kettenkrads were used in almost every theatre of the war and proved very reliable in all conditions from the arctic Russian winter to the heat of the Western desert. They were used to tow anti-tank guns as part of feared tank-busting teams; tow ammunition trailers to the front line; lay cables and ferry troops to difficult locations. Their excellent cross-country ability made them the last vehicles to bog down in the clinging Russian mud. Later in the war they were even used to tow Messerschmitt Me 262 jets up to the runways in an effort to save scarce aviation fuel.
In all, over 8,000 NSU Kettenkrads were produced (compared to over 600,000 Jeeps!). However, as German army equipment was virtually wiped out at the end of the war, very few have survived.
The Kit: Freedom Models WWII German Sd.Kfz.2 Kettenkraftrad in 1/16th scale
Freedom model have teased this kit for a little while, in fact we first though it might be a Kubelwagen as all they showed was the headlight and NOTEK light.
Earlier today Freedom Model Kits released their new box art and 3D CAD rendering photos for the kit. Even in 1/16th scale, the kit is the perfect size for detailing, not to large for size, and big enough to really add some detail to the kit if you like.
A full dash and controls for the "Krad" are of course included with photo-etched materials for the engine cooling grille is included.
The rear set / cargo compartment is of course included, we do not know the detail of he padding as of yet, probably the same ABS plastic of the rest of the Krad.
Clear parts fort he transparencies like the headlight are included. Of course the tracks, runing gear and steering wheel will be able to be moved /posed.
The kit is expected to be in shops next month in September 2021.
For more about Freedom's kit look at the Freedom model kits website