PlasticPanzers.com Forum

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:



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:




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.


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:


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


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

Thanks for looking

Philipp

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

Cheers,
Vincent

Thanks Vincent

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

Philipp

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

Shawn

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

Neat and Elegant - Plus ca change

Loving it

Rob

Thanks everyone

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

Philipp

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!

Lovin' it

Gary

Thanks again

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

Philipp