March 10, 2025

Preview: 1/35th scale German Pkw.K1 Kübelwagen Type 155 Half-Track from Meng Model

Meng's newest Kübelwagen kit is the obscure but very cool Type 155 Half-Track. This kit includes plastic, 3D-printed resin & three decal choices. See more about the vehicle & the kit in our preview...

 
Preview:  1/35th scale German Pkw.K1 Kübelwagen Type 155 Half-Track from Meng Model

German Pkw.K1 Kübelwagen Type 155 Half-Track
From Meng Model
Ki tNo VS-018
Scale: 1/35th scale 
Plastic & 3d-Printed resin kit
Three marking choices in the box
Available in: April 2025
The Subject: Pkw.K1 Kübelwagen Type 155
The Pkw.K1 Kübelwagen Type 155 half-track is an upgraded version of the Pkw.K1 Kübelwagen Type 82 military vehicle. While the Type 82 had advantages such as a simple structure, ease of maintenance, and low fuel consumption, the German military launched an ambitious project to further improve the vehicle's off-road performance by adding tracks, enhancing its ability to traverse sandy and snowy terrains.

In the autumn of 1942, the VW Kubelwagen Type 155/1 "Schneeraupe" underwent testing. The prototype, which was a modified Type 82, initially lacked front skis. However, when the vehicle gained speed, its front wheels became mired in the snow. To address this issue, the developers added skis to the front of the vehicle. 
Additional testing revealed promising results, but the project was ultimately discontinued due to the extensive modifications required and the resulting vehicle's slow and inefficient performance. A comparative test against the SdKfz 2 NSU Kettenrad also took place, showcasing the 155/1's capabilities.

The vehicle underwent tests with four different types of tracks, and engineers also made improvements to its braking system and differential, added anti-slip devices to the front of the vehicle, and boosted engine power. However, test results showed that while the off-road capability of the Pkw.K1 Kübelwagen Type 155 was significantly improved, its maximum speed was only 8 km/h, and it consumed an astonishing 150 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. Due to its limited practicality, it was ultimately not mass-produced.

The kit:
This is an accurate and detailed replica of the Pkw.K1 Kübelwagen Type 155 half-track in 1/35th scale. Once assembled, the model measures 111 mm in length, 57 mm in width, and 65 mm in height. This kit includes high-precision 3D-printed track modules and ski modules and provides three paint schemes in this box.

The track module and ski module are restored using high-precision 3D printing technology.
The optional accessories like the MG34 machine gun are provided, with the 3D-printed ammo belt showcasing excellent details.
The 3D-printing technology captures excellent detail in the track module, with the sag of the tracks being particularly well-executed. Additionally, the integrated track module design makes assembly much easier.
The 3D-printed tires feature excellent detail, with sharp and well-defined sidewall markings and tread patterns.

This new kit from Meng is still in development (it is due in April 2025) so keep an eye out here or on Meng's website for more info on this new model