Sd.Kfz. 2 Kettenkrad Early Production w/Infantriekarren

Dragon, 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Cookie Sewell

Summary

FirstLook

Back in 2004 DML released a kit of a Sd.Kfz. 2/2 Kettenkrad as a field wire layer (No. 6128) with a crew of three. While it was a huge upgrade from the ancient Tamiya kit from the early 1970s it did have some quirks and drawbacks, including tiny two-piece single link tracks which were smaller than many 1/72 scale tracks. In 2011 they re-released the kit as a “Premium” kit with the No. 61393.7 cm PaK 36 “doorknocker” antitank gun as well as figure set 6433 of a five man crew.

Now DML has again recombined kits to create an early version of the Kettenkrad and a single sprue for the tiny Infantriekarren infantry carrier. Unfortunately the box art by Filip Zierfuss is better than the kit, as it shows a load for the little carrier of 20 liter “jerry” cans and a fraulein riding on the passenger seat, neither of which comes in the kit.

The “early production” changes to the model include the motorcycle style headlamp and some other small details. Most important, the model now comes with a set of DS Plastic track runs vice the incredibly tiny and tedious two-part tracks from the original. While there are arguments to be made both ways about single link versus single run tracks for larger vehicles, I daresay most people will appreciate not having to futz around with minuscule track links in this scale. Track details are amazingly well replicated (check out the bolt head details) and these should be well received (barring fit problems). However, while DML tells you in its 1/72 scale kits how long the DS tracks are supposed to be so you can trim or stretch them to fit, they still refuse to add this to their 1/35 scale kit directions.

The Kettenkrad comes with a complete engine-transmission assembly, separate road wheel arms, and interior details as before. The seat parts are now provided for the two-man crew carried at the rear of the vehicle. A tow hook and taillight casing is also now present. The box sides and bottom indicate several bits have been redone such as the front fork and hull parts as well.

Technical assistance was provided by Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.

Two finishing and marking options are provided, both for “Unidentified Unit, 1941": panzer grey or whitewash. Decals from Cartograf consist of only license plate blanks and a number jungle but no finishing suggestions for actual plate numbers.

Overall this kit is nice but not as good a value as the 2011 “Premium” kit which cost $1 less and gave you roughly $50 worth of models in one box.

Sprue Layout:

A 14 Infantriekarren
A 22 Kettenkrad - lower hull, engine, transmission, engine deck
B 24x2 Kettenkrad - wheels, road wheel arms, details
C 43 Kettenkrad - hull sides, fork, wheel, driver, details
D 4 Kettenkrad - early production parts
Z 2 DS Plastic track runs
MA 13 Etched brass

Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.