An almost ordinary VW Beetle

If it runs on rails, post it here
User avatar
Philipp Gross
Site Admin/Founder
Posts: 5122
Joined: 19 Jul 2014, 23:40
Location: Frankfurt
Contact:

An almost ordinary VW Beetle

Post by Philipp Gross »

Here's another small project of mine, literally made while waiting for the paint to dry on the Sherman.

You may remember this recent shameful addition to my hoard:

Image

This is the legendary "Army Beetle", created in small numbers by mating the body of the KdF-Wagen (what would after 1945 become the Beetle) to the chassis of the Kübelwagen, thus creating a somewhat offroad capable staff car. The kit is originally from CMK and was reissued by Revell this year. Out of curiosity I started, and about 3 hours later I was about finished:

Image
Image

Overall details are simple but good enough for what you can see afterwards. And everything easily comes apart for painting. The windows and a few minor bits will be added afterwards.
Image

I replaced the wheels with some made by German company MR Modellbau. These were designed for the Tamiya Kübelwagen, so I had to improvise a little:
Image

And if you notice anything weird about these....here's the reason :mrgreen:
Image

A field kit was actually made to convert a Kübelwagen for rail use, and of course, it could also be used on the Beetle. I don't have a photo of a real one, but I really like the idea.

Here's a nice video explaining the whole operation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJNVHTXjjU8 I'm not sure if they have a genuine WW2 beetle, but it's definitely of 1940's vintage.

Another video by the same people using a Kübel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2vhbss2H5E

Suffice to say, both videos are to blame for all this :lol:

Thanks for looking :)

Philipp
Completed Campaigns:
ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImage

User avatar
Vincent Power
Senior Site Contributor.....
Senior Site Contributor.....
Posts: 2634
Joined: 31 Jul 2014, 23:49
Location: Melbourne Australia

Re: An almost ordinary VW Beetle

Post by Vincent Power »

Fantastic Philipp! What a great idea. The Revell kit looks quite good. :D

Cheers,
Vincent
Completed Campaigns:
ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImage

User avatar
Philipp Gross
Site Admin/Founder
Posts: 5122
Joined: 19 Jul 2014, 23:40
Location: Frankfurt
Contact:

Re: An almost ordinary VW Beetle

Post by Philipp Gross »

Thanks Vincent :D

The painting shouldn't take too long. There's only the question of using grey or yellow :lol:

Philipp
Completed Campaigns:
ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImage

User avatar
Shawn Ramsey
Senior Site Contributor.....
Senior Site Contributor.....
Posts: 1987
Joined: 20 Jul 2014, 00:26

Re: An almost ordinary VW Beetle

Post by Shawn Ramsey »

Really great ides Philipp. Why can't I come up with a few. :roll:

Shawn
Completed Campaigns:
ImageImage

User avatar
Greg Beckman
Site Contributor..
Site Contributor..
Posts: 697
Joined: 19 Jul 2014, 23:02
Location: Austin, TX.....Republic of Texas.

Re: An almost ordinary VW Beetle

Post by Greg Beckman »

Wow, I have the same kit in my stash, sounds like a nice, but simple build.
Gregovich (Greg)

User avatar
Rob Matthews
Moderator
Posts: 1202
Joined: 20 Jul 2014, 00:06
Location: Wiltshire UK
Contact:

Re: An almost ordinary VW Beetle

Post by Rob Matthews »

Neat and Elegant - Plus ca change 8-)

Loving it :D

Rob
Modelling the mundane

Completed Campaigns:
ImageImageImageImageImage

User avatar
Philipp Gross
Site Admin/Founder
Posts: 5122
Joined: 19 Jul 2014, 23:40
Location: Frankfurt
Contact:

Re: An almost ordinary VW Beetle

Post by Philipp Gross »

Thanks everyone :D

Greg, the overall build time was really only 3 hours. Painting might be the same. Absolutely perfect for a rainy weekend.

Philipp
Completed Campaigns:
ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImage

User avatar
John Everett
Senior Site Contributor
Senior Site Contributor
Posts: 712
Joined: 20 Jul 2014, 20:15
Location: Denver, Colorado
Contact:

Re: An almost ordinary VW Beetle

Post by John Everett »

I had no idea that a VW existed in 1/35 or that the real vehicle could be fitted for railroad use.

A Jeep and a VW?....Oh, the possibilities are endless!
"You used up all the glue...............ON PURPOSE!" - Darren McGavin

Completed Campaigns:
Image

User avatar
Gary Boxall
Site Admin/Founder
Posts: 2476
Joined: 18 Jul 2014, 21:34
Location: Auckland New Zealand

Re: An almost ordinary VW Beetle

Post by Gary Boxall »

Lovin' it :mrgreen:

Gary
Hi. My name is Gary and I'm an ex-Shermaholic....

User avatar
Philipp Gross
Site Admin/Founder
Posts: 5122
Joined: 19 Jul 2014, 23:40
Location: Frankfurt
Contact:

Re: An almost ordinary VW Beetle

Post by Philipp Gross »

Thanks again :D

The VW conversion seems to have been fairly rare, at least compared to rail Jeeps. Which I would totally build too, if I ever find some wheels for it :mrgreen:

Philipp
Completed Campaigns:
ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImage

Post Reply