MMiR Modeler’s Special Edition Guide to the Kubelwagen
 MMiR Special Issue 1, by Joe Porter, no ISBN, Ampersand Publishing Co, Inc.

John Prigent

Here Joe Porter describes and shows how to model every conceivable variant of the Kubelwagen and Schwimmwagen.  This who wish to copy him will be relieved that almost every one is commercially available as a conversion.  The only exceptions are the original long wheelbase Schwimmwagen, which Gum Ka seems to have dropped from its list after producing only a few (maybe only one) conversion sets, and the prototype of the short wheelbase production version which needs major work from the modeller.

Joe begins with a very useful section with text and photographs of the real things to show the modifications introduced during production.  Dates of introduction and chassis numbers are given when known, too.  Next comes a two-page spread of excerpts from the illustrated parts list, very useful – both exhaust arrangements are shown, for instance.  An analysis of the kits on the market tells you which features each one has, so if you’re after a Kubel for a 1941 diorama you know to get the Italeri kit instead of Dragon, Hasegawa or Tamiya.  This section is rounded off by a list, with illustrations, of the common modifications which most models will need – engine bay hatch latches, for instance.  All this takes up only 15 of the 80 pages, and then it’s on to the models.

As I said, every conceivable version is here and each of them is described in text and photographs for modellers to follow, with the base kit and conversions used noted at the top of the page.  The first is the Tamiya Type 82, chosen to show a standard Kubel with extra detailing.  All the others get an overview of the real Kubel’s use, a note of its characteristics, and a note of any special work needed to produce the model.  Even the big 1/16 Afrika Korps model from Tamiya is included, so it’s all bang up to date.

Several of the model sections come with reference photographs of the real thing, and on page 68 we move into a reference section with detail photographs of restored vehicles.  Page 76 starts a kit list, including all the conversion and detail sets, and the final page is a list of reference books and websites.

About the only thing not included in this book is a section of photographs of the real engine, and here Joe wisely refers the reader to the Wings and Wheels book instead of trying to compete with it.

All in all, an excellent book and very highly recommended.  Not even the renowned Steelmasters “Hors-Series” are as good as this!