KS600 Motorcycle & Sidecar

Tamiya 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Summary

B a c k g r o u n d

Zündapp was a major German motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1917 in Nuremberg by Fritz Neumeyer, together with the Friedrich Krupp AG and the machine tool manufacturer Thiel under the name "Zünder- und Apparatebau G.m.b.H." as a producer of detonators (Zünder- und Apparatebau is German for Igniter and Apparatus).

In 1919, as the demand for weapons parts declined after World War I, Neumeyer became the sole proprietor of the company, and two years later he diversified into the construction of motorcycles.

Following World War II, Zündapp expanded into the microcar, moped and scooter markets. The company collapsed in 1984.

The Zündapp KS600, first released in 1938, had a 28 hp (21 kW) horizontally opposed twin cylinder motor with overhead valves displacing 597 cc (36.4 cu in). The KS600 was often coupled with a Steib sidecar, the BW38 (Beiwagen 1938). The BW38, fitted with the B1 (Boot no. 1) sidecar body was produced between 1938 and 1941 and supplied exclusively to the Wehrmacht.

While the KS600 was discontinued and eventually replaced by the purpose-built KS750, its motor was to be the only remnant to live beyond the destruction of war. When Zündapp returned to motorcycle production in the late 1940s, it chose to reuse the KS600's motor to power the KS601 with few modifications.

Adapted from Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zündapp

F i r s t L o o k

Tamiya has added to its range of 1:35 scale motorcycles with this brand new KS600 Motorcycle & Sidecar.

Although Tamiya is a bit shy with the branding of the bike, I can confirm that this is a Zundapp.

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Thumbnail panels:

The set comprises 65 parts in dark grey pieces on two sprues covering the assembly of the motorcycle and sidecar, and another 34 parts in medium grey coloured plastic with three figures and related accessories. Markings for five number plates plus the instrument dial are included on the small decal sheet.

Six road signs are printed in colour on the box side if you want to create an instant vignette.

Detail looks good and the modest number of parts should guarantee a fast and trouble-free build.

The wheel spokes are a bit on the heavy side but I am sure that we will see photo-etched or 3d printed aftermarket options before long.

One half of the engine is moulded directly to one of the rear wheel halves. The other side of the engine traps the other half of the rear wheel and this assembly in turn is trapped between the frame halves.

The front wheel is secured to the mudguard and front forks. The balance of motorcycle assembly looks to be very straightforward.

The sidecar is made up from separate panels and features foot planks on the inside.

Three Wehrmacht soldiers are supplied. One is the rider, the second is a passenger and the final figure is passing by and looking at a road sign.

The KAR 98K rifles and the MP 40 machine pistol are crisply detailed. They look great.

A plastic post and base are supplied so the cardboard signs from the side of the box may be glued in place, creating a little instant story.

The small decal sheet offers five number plates – three Wehrmacht and two Luftwaffe – although Luftwaffe uniforms are not supplied.

C o n c l u s i o n

This is a simple but nicely executed set that may be used standalone, as a vignette, or as part of a larger diorama.

Recommended.

Thanks to Tamiya Japan for the sample

Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited for the sample.