Preview: A new detail set & Winterketten for the German Sd. Kfz.2 Kettenkrad from Heavy Hobby
Detail set for the German Sd. Kfz.2 Kettenkrad
SK Series - SK-35072
from Heavy Hobby
1/35th scale
The set contains a mix of 3-D printed & photo-etched materials
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 a 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 aircraft 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 new detail set for the German Sd. Kfz.2 Half-track Motorcycle from Heavy Hobby
Tamiya Model re-tooled this vehicle in 2021 (No.35377), which is the replacement for No. 35729 (mould originally from 1973), Dragon Model also had their own version of this vehicle, however, it has been out of stock for a long time, and it is not easy to buy on the market.
Heavy hobby's new ultimate upgrade solution is now available.
Butting workable tracks with driving wheels, restore the features of the Kettenkrad Tracks.
Two detailed Kar 98k rifles with a PE rifle strap are also included...
“WWII German Sd.Kfz.2 Kleines Kettenkrad Winterketten Tracks”:
In order to deal with the muddy environment in the eastern front, some Sd.Kfz.2 were equipped with winterketten tracks. You can restore this feature by purchasing our PT-35073 “WWII German Sd.Kfz.2 Kleines Kettenkrad Winterketten Tracks”. 
Purchasing Heavy Hobbies sets:
If you like what you see here there is good news, you can purchase Heavy Hobby's sets from their many hobby show connections around the world, with links to them on their new Website...