1/48 Tamiya Luftwaffe vehicles

by Andreas 'Goggo' Gordes

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One of the latest news of Tamiya in 1:48 scale have been the Kettenkrad and the Kübelwagen. Now, this is a welcome addition to German aircraft of the same scale and worth a short description.

The halftrack motorcycle Kettenkrad was released by Tamiya as stand alone with the Goliath trailer, within the Me-262 A-2, with the Ta-183 and with the Do-335. However it makes most sense with the 262 since these birds always were towed due to fuel shortage. Therefore the kit includes a tow bar for the 262 and a pilot and a driver who has to look backwards. The kit is of superior quality, the parts may be painted on the sprues and glued later. The front wheel can be glued in a somewhat steered position. Don't worry to align it with the ground, when towing a 262 it was in the air (what the hell was this wheel for?) Inside there are levers for gear and brakes missing, but you would not use those together with the driver. Within the Me-262 kit there are any decals missing for the Kettenkrad. Be prepared and take number plates from a 1:72 tank. Simply a great kit!

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The Kübelwagen was released as a stand alone only, although the wheels are molded in a seperate sprue, an indication for an alternate kit. Also there is a closed top missing. The kit is of superior quality, the parts may be painted on the sprues and glued later. The front wheels can be glued in a somewhat steered position. Inside there are pedals and a stowage box missing. The general fit could not be better, only with the front window  you have to be cautious. There are decals for 4 sand coloured vehicles of Heer and Luftwaffe and even rank insignia for the 2 well done figures. Simply a great kit, too!

Conclusion: Both kits are more than worth their money, even the 2 figures in every kit are worth to buy these kits. They are so detailed that built together they are as much work as a single aircraft. But they are a fun to build. Both kits are highly recommended and for enthusiasts of the Luftwaffe they are a must have! Whenever Tamiya will release another vehicle in 1:48, I will buy it. Hopefully they release another Kübelwagen with top and, of course a Willy's Jeep.

Andreas

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Photos and text © by Andreas 'Goggo' Gordes