Sunday, September 17, 2017

Kettenkrad, Hydrostat, Jagopanzer IV, Apache, Intruder and Space Cab



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.



However, once completed the Space Cab is sure to be the prize model of any model maker’s collection