OK,
deep breath! I’m about to embark on the
most difficult plastic model kit I’ve ever assembled. Italeri’s
1:9 Scale ‘Kettenkrad Sd KFZ 2’
troop or supply transport model.
To
say I’m intimidated is an understatement.
But, if I expect to improve my model making skills it’s a challenge I
must accept.
Just
looking at its nine, massive part trees and ultra-detailed assembly, painting
and decal instructions is enough to set my nerves on edge. It’s a good thing I have the ultimate
confidence in Italeri’s easy-to-understand instructions and the assurance that
all the parts will fit together perfectly with little or no flashing or
trimming.
At
this point I’m not sure if I’ll opt out of painting the model to specifications
but I will try to apply the decals. If I
do decide to paint it I need to purchase some Italeri’s spray paint in the
appropriate color.
Wish
me luck. All I need is good vision, a
steady hand and patience. Hey, two out
of three isn’t bad! I’ll leave to you to
decide which two.
Before
I get started here is a little historical information about the Kettenkrad.
The
Germans designed the Kettenkrad as a small, armored vehicle that could carry
two passengers or transport weapons and supplies.
At
first glance the vehicle appears to have the front end of a motorcycle with
handlebars and single wheel.
That’s
where the similarities end.
The
rear end of the vehicle looks like a scaled down tank with six wheels and tank
treads. Remarkably, despite its
cumbersome appearance, it could top out at around 70 mph courtesy of its OHV
inline-four Opel water-cooling engine.
It
could also tow small cannon and artillery, as well as additional supplies.
Adapted
to transport in all sorts of the terrain the Kettenkrad was used on all
fronts. Later it was used in the
German’s jet fighter and bomber programs.
Starting
off with the tread base pieces I had a little trouble with the springs-mainly
getting them correctly in place. It took
a little finagling but once I got the hand of it the pieces went together
easily.
A helpful hint: When assembling a model kit. Especially one this size, it’s best to have a
marker or highlighter on hand.
Since
the part trees in this particular model are given a letter designation, the
parts are listed by number on the instruction sheet-not the parts themselves.
How
do you keep track? Easy, whenever you
use a part simple cross it through on the instruction sheet. That way you can keep a track of parts and
know which you used.
I
think I’ve bitten off more than I can chew.
There’s
nothing wrong with the model kit. It’s
my own ineptitude and clumsy fingers.
The
chassis of the Kettenkrad went together easily enough but when it came time to
put the wheels on, that’s where I had problems.
The
wheels themselves fit together perfectly.
My only problem was is that I had a difficult time placing them
side-by-side in overlapping order as my less than adept fingers betrayed me.
I’m
sure with a little more practice and manipulation the parts will fit together
fine. As I said before the model kit
itself is not at fault-the pieces are perfectly scaled and trim with very
little fuss.
I’ve
decided to skip forward a little bit and tackle the engine, driver compartment
and other components leaving the wheels and treads to the last-or at least
until it is necessary to put them together to complete the model.
Looking
over the instructions and part trees I am amazed at the complexity and
attention to detail given the engine, steering mechanism and tracks. There are a lot of parts, necessary to give
the detail required.
Here’s
hoping I make it through. I have a whole
new respect for model makers and model kit manufacturers and designers. It’s not as simple as applying a little glue,
some paint and decals. There is so much
more involved.
It
is a true art. Not to discourage
anyone. In fact I want to recommend taking
up model-making. It promotes patience,
perseverance, creative thinking, problem solving and a keen eye for detail.
Italeri
model kits are some the best designed and manufactured kits around with
excellent instructions, precision engineered parts and attention to detail.
This
has been a very humbling experience. Even
though I am an artist and designer I’ve discovered that it does not necessarily
make me a model-maker and proficient at 3D model making construction.
I
will continue working on the model kit on my own but for the sake of time I
will leave you with photos of what the model should look like when it is completed.
A couple more
assembly tips:
Use food skewer sticks commonly used in preparing Japanese or Chinese
food. The small point tips can be used
to hold pieces for painting by inserting the tips in to part holes.
Pick
up pieces on the end of the sticks with poster stick-em which is tacky enough
to pick up or hold pieces, but detaches easily once glue is applied and the
parts are put in place.
I can only say that those who take up model
making take up a long established and revered hobby-one that I have a whole new
level of respect and admiration for.
Besides
the KettenKrad, Italeri generously provided five additional models that I’d
like to talk about. They include two
armored vehicles, two aircraft and a semi-truck.
The
Soviet/Russian ‘KV-1/KV-2 Tank’
began development in 1938, with a KV-1 prototype produced in 1939. During 1940-1942 the tank saw mass production
and in 1940 a heavy duty version (the KV-2) ended production in 1941 with a
total of 334 units.
Medium
in size, the KV series of tanks distinguished itself with its maneuverability,
speed and impressive fire-power. Considered
the workhorse of the Soviet military it was eventually replaced by larger
tanks.
The
‘World Of Tanks’ Roll-Out KV-1’ model kit, scaled at 1:56, also includes
in-game tips for the ‘World Of Tanks’ online game. Additional codes can be obtained as well as
special edition tank modifications.
Cement,
a Tank Guide, decals and much more are included with the KV-2 model kit.
Just
as impressive is the ‘World Of Tanks
Roll Out Jagdpanzer IV’ model kit that recreates in perfect 1:35 Scale the
massive German tank destroyer of WWII.
Included
with the kit are liquid cement, a tank guide, decals and invite and bonus
codes.
The
basic construction of the medium tank destroyer was used as the framework for
tank destroyers to follow.
While
its armament and maneuverability are impressive its firepower was limited to
fairly close range as the penetration power of its artillery at long distances was
minimal.
Although
lacking in destruction at a distance the tank destroyer was capable of firing
at a rapid rate while its quick mobility and low profile made it a difficult
target to hit.
The
model kit comes with full assembly, decal and paint application instructions. The paint instructions also come in color
making it easy for modelers to get the correct color combination and pattern.
Parts
come on three part trees, detach easily with little or no flashing, and fit
snuggly with no gaps.
For
some high-flying, model making fun check out Italeri’s fully upgraded molds ‘AH-64D Longbow Apache’ attack
helicopter. ‘Impressive, most
impressive!’
Decals
come with the model kit for five different versions, along with a color
instruction sheet.
The
‘Apache AH-64D Longbow’ is the ultimate helicopter. Good for frontline, anti-tank and helicopter,
assault and support missions, regardless of weather conditions, the Apache
delivers.
The
‘Longbow’ version sports sophisticated radar and targeting systems, missiles, a
chain gun, rockets and more.
Take
a look at its dragonfly configuration suited for two pilots, oversize
propellers, large rear tail fin, twin stabilizing propellers, undercarriage
firepower, back landing gear, radar packet, heavy armor, side-mounted weapon
pylons and chassis bristling with sophisticated hardware and electronics.
Just
as impressive are the interior cockpit instrumentation, rear compartment and
storage compartment.
At
1:48 Scale the model kit comes on three part trees with instruction sheet, decals
and some interesting Apache Longbow information and stats.
The
‘A-6E Tram Intruder’ Gulf War
fighter jet saw action in the mid-1960s as a carrier based aircraft.
The
twin-engine, medium size jet was as well-suited for all weather conditions due
to its robust construction and two-seat, side-by-side configuration.
With
its state-of-the-art guidance, avionics and attack systems, its laser target
capabilities made it a formidable foe despite weather conditions.
Specifically
designed to carry missiles and bombs of various configurations the TRAM saw a
long and illustrious career in military campaigns.
The
1:72 Scale model kit consists of three part trees, instructions and decals (for
two versions).
Long
and lean, like an arrow with wings, the TRAM personifies speed and maneuverability.
Its intimidating weapon array, oversize detecting electronics and sophisticated
interior controls and cockpit configuration give the TRAM a predator profile
best avoided by enemy aircraft.
Ask
any trucker and they’ll tell you that comfort, reliability and durability are
the three main ingredients they look for in a semi-truck.
The
‘DAF 3600 Space Cab’ delivers on all
accounts.
The
Dutch truck featured an aerodynamic design, incredible comfort, fuel economy
and an 11.6 liter engine capable of providing 373 HP.
The
model kit showcases the Space Cab’s impressive exterior with oversize grill,
heavy chrome bumpers, extended side mirrors, front and roof light arrays, roof
horns, large cab, full-view front and side windows, over the front wheel cab
configuration, heavy chassis with side-mount gas tanks, easy to attach trailer
slide disk, heavy and durable wheels and tires and equally impressive interior
with plush seats, fully instrumentation, sleeping silo and plenty of room.
Recreated
in 1:24 Scale the model kit includes an instruction sheet, decals, seven part trees
in different color designations and eleven rubber tires.
Speaking
to a friend who made a similar semi-truck model kit from Italeri I can testify
that this model kit requires skill and patience to assemble. Like the truck it is fashioned after the
Space Cab model kit has a large number of parts and complicated, working
components.