Two new "Vee-Dub" vans & a Japanese bike on the way from AK

If feel good factor for the 70's is a thing then these three new releases from AK Interactive are the ticket. Two VW vans - one camper and the other a utility style with a Japanese Honda CG125 are the three new-tooled kits in 35th scale. For all of you too young to know, we look at the real thing & the CADs, decals, profiles & art in our preview...

Two new "Vee-Dub" vans & a Japanese bike on the way from AK

 T2 Model 1967 Van

From AK Interactive

1/35th Scale

Sku: AK35022

Over 170 plastic parts

Detailed interior and engine.

All doors can be posed open.

Decals for 4 painting/marking options printed by Cartograf.

Posable doors, engine & interior included

The Subject: 1967 Volkswagen Type 2 - "T2"

The Volkswagen Type 2, originally introduced in 1950 by the German automaker Volkswagen, is a forward control light commercial vehicle and the company’s second car model. Officially known as the Transporter, Kombi, or Microbus, depending on the body type, it is also informally referred to as the Volkswagen Station Wagon (US), Bus (US), Camper (UK), or Bulli (Germany). The Type 2 designation follows Volkswagen’s first model, the Type 1 (Beetle), from which it was initially derived.

The Kombi is officially called the Volkswagen Type 2 or Transporter. It is popularly known as the Kombi, which is short for Kombinationskraftwagen (German for a combined-use vehicle). It has several other names, including the Minibus, Microbus, the Bulli, the Bus, the Hippie van, and the Camper in different parts of the world. Both the Kombi and Transporter line-ups have the same origin, but in 1990, they began to lead separate yet parallel lives. The Kombi can be both a passenger and cargo vehicle, with removable rear seats for bigger cargo capacity. The Volkswagen Caravelle is strictly a people-mover, while the panel van is a dedicated cargo vehicle with no side windows.

We can't wait until someone makes the van from "Back to the Future" with this one!

This lovely red example sports similar roof racks like the  kit's example...

The Kit:

This is the first of two kits in this new-tooled series from AK Interactive. This one is the more "hippie" or camper van type, with a fully seated interior and regular windows. 

CADs of this new tooled kit showing the features incoming - the doors can all be posed opened or closed in this kit.

A roof rack for suitcases (not supplied in this kit) can be packed on top - this can be omitted if you do not want a roof rack of course.

The full interior with all passenger seating is included of course.

From the front and rear with all doors open. The full engine is included also

- The kit comes with decals made by Cartograf that reproduce four sets of vehicle markings

- The decals include markings for four vans in German service - these are more of the utility type meant for passenger use, even a UN vehicle is included in these markings!

T2 Model 1972 Van

From AK Interactive

1/35th Scale

Over 170 plastic parts

Detailed interior and engine.

All doors can be posed open.

Decals for 4 painting/marking options printed by Cartograf.

Posable doors, engine & interior included

Sku: AK35024

The Subject: 1972 Volkswagen Type 2 - T2

In late 1967, Volkswagen introduced the second generation of the Type 2 (T2), which was manufactured in West Germany until 1979. In Mexico, the Volkswagen Kombi and Panel were produced from 1970 to 1994. The early models are often referred to as the T2a (or “Early Bay”), while models produced after 1971 are known as the T2b (or “Late Bay”), and those after 1991 are called the T2c.

This second-generation Type 2 lost its distinctive split front windshield and was 22.5 cm (9 in) longer and significantly heavier than its predecessor. Commonly nicknamed Breadloaf and Bay-window, or simply Loaf and Bay, the T2 featured a slightly larger 1.6 L engine producing 35 kW (48 PS; 47 bhp) DIN. The battery and electrical system were upgraded to 12 volts, making it incompatible with electric accessories from the previous generation. The new model also eliminated the swing axle rear suspension and transfer boxes previously used to raise ride height. Instead, it employed half-shaft axles with constant velocity joints to raise ride height without the extreme camber changes seen in the Beetle-based swing axle suspension. The updated Bus transaxle is highly sought after by off-road racers using air-cooled Volkswagen components

A view of a restored VW van's driver/passenger's position.

The Kit:

This is the second kit in this new series of VW vans. This one is more geared to those who

CADs of this new tooled kit showing the  incoming features.

The closed or open front doors of the kit with front bench seat here

From the front and rear, showing the rear cargo and driver/ passenger doors opened up. These give the van a more 3D feel, as without doors opened or closed it is a shell without that human story. Notice the full engine for the rear of the van.

The foldable chairs are an option for the interior. You can omit these for carrying just cargo if you like.

- The kit comes with decals made by Cartograf that reproduce four sets of vehicle markings

- The decals include markings for four vans in German service - these are more of the utility type meant for commercial use from the 70's to the 80s.

Japanese Motorcycle

From AK Interactive

1/35th Scale

68 plastic parts

Photo-etch included

Sku: AK35027

The Subject: The Honda CG125 commuter bike
The Honda CG125, also known as the Honda CG, is a commuter motorcycle produced by Honda of Japan. Initially manufactured in Japan from 1976 to 2008, production has continued in Pakistan since 1992. The manufacturing for the European market shifted from Japan to Brazil in 1985, and later to Pakistan and Turkey in 1992 for the W and M models. The CG125 features a 124 cc (7.6 cu in) four-stroke, overhead valve, single-cylinder engine that has seen minimal changes over the years.

The CG125 was derived from the CB125 to cater to markets in developing countries. While the two models shared many components, the primary distinction lay in their top ends: the CB featured an overhead cam (OHC). A common issue with many Honda OHC engines of that era (typically labelled CB) was the subpar cam-chains/tensioners and the tendency for camshaft bearings to wear out if oil changes were neglected. The CG engine was specifically designed to address this issue, among others, as Honda recognized that riders in developing countries often performed little to no preventative maintenance. To enhance reliability with minimal servicing, the CG125 employs overhead valves (OHV) with pushrods, a washable foam air filter, and a fully enclosed chain, although the fully enclosed chain was discontinued in 2004.

The Kit:

This kit is a "2-in-1" kit that enables you to make one of either types of the CG125 or "Honda CG" as it is called by fans (there is one kit included in this box to make sure we are on the same page).

Some CADs of the kit - one option sees the spoked wheels and rounded dials for the instrument cluster.. a more late 70's/ early 80's style looking bike

The other option in the box is the squared off headlights and instrument cluster. Giving a different look to the bike with metal spoked wheels.

The kit comes with options to change the instrument cluster, the headlight or wheel rims to make it more of a street bike or a road bike type. Both look interesting to us.

- The kit comes with decals made by Cartograf that reproduce two sets of vehicle markings - although one can let their mind go with this bike...

These vans and bike are available next month from the AK Interactive website.

You can see more about these products on the links supplied and more of them on the AK Interactive Website