The Italian Campaign Group Build, German Schwimmwagen

[SPROCKET321]

In support of the opposition, whose excellent routine in defense and counter attack, their professional holding of the ridges and their last round fight of Casino, in spite of fighting for a cause and leader that cared little if they lived or died. The diminutive Schwimmwagen, based of course on the Kdf wagen by Ferdinand Porsch.

 

[SPROCKET321]

The type166 as I will call it from now on, is typical of why the Nazi war machine lost the war, instead of concentrating on one or two easy to produce designs, 1 medium tank, one truck design one fighter plane 1 liaison/recce car they had to make everything ground breakingly superior. So supply confusion ensued. Even so, like the 166, I can imagine it flying about just behind the front lines dropping off ammo, rations and mail to the hard fighting troops in their slit trenches fighting off successive allied attacks. And probably taking wounded to the dressing station. Let's have a look in the box.

 

[SPROCKET321]

Colours may be a problem as the only war time images I've found of the 166 in Italy are those "under new managment" in Allied hands.

starting the kit with the bathtub, essential if it's to float.

 

[SPROCKET321]

the suspension on this kit is deceptively simple, and commendably accurate.
The parts look like the Beetle I'm re-building over on Cars Bikes and AFV's thread. I'd say the 166 had front wheel drive looking at this picture, what do you recon.

 

[SPROCKET321]

the rear suspension looks similar to the 1972 parts too

 

[Daz]

View attachment 631898
the suspension on this kit is deceptively simple, and commendably accurate.
The parts look like the Beetle I'm re-building over on Cars Bikes and AFV's thread. I'd say the 166 had front wheel drive looking at this picture, what do you recon.
View attachment 631906

4 wheel drive FYI

 

[Chef]

The suspension on this kit is deceptively simple, and commendably accurate.
The parts look like the Beetle I'm re-building over on Cars Bikes and AFV's thread. I'd say the 166 had front wheel drive looking at this picture, what do you recon.

I suppose if it works why change the design? I wouldn't think you get a better test environment than WWII and a wedge of squaddies using your kit for a few years.

'Recon' made me smile. I'm easily amused these days.

 

[SPROCKET321]

4 wheel drive FYI

yes of course, you're quite right it's a 4x4, innovative these Gerries, and this of course means one thing, a drive shaft in the drive shaft tunnel, this provides extra strength and rigidity to an bathtub design. the Beetle I'm building is rear wheel drive, but still has the tunnel.

 

[SPROCKET321]

the cabin parts made up so far in Tamiya fine primer spray can.

 

[Itainthalfhotmum]

Colours may be a problem as the only war time images I've found of the 166 in Italy are those "under new managment" in Allied hands.
View attachment 631891
starting the kit with the bathtub, essential if it's to float.
View attachment 631892

schwimmwagen in italy - Bing images

www.bing.com

 

[Gun_Brickie]

This has jarred a memory loose. I remember building Tamiya's old version of this kit. . . over 30 years ago.

Thanks for making me feel old.

 

[Chef]

This has jarred a memory loose. I remember building Tamiya's old version of this kit. . . over 30 years ago.

Thanks for making me feel old.

Didn't that one have metal axles?

 

[Chef]

@SPROCKET321. Just found this which may be useful for reference, although less so for colours:

1943 VW Schwimmwagen For Sale

 

[Gun_Brickie]

Didn't that one have metal axles?

I remember it has plastic axles and zero suspension detail.

 

[SPROCKET321]

and was made from about five parts. Things have moved on.

 

[SPROCKET321]

@SPROCKET321. Just found this which may be useful for reference, although less so for colours:

1943 VW Schwimmwagen For Sale

who wouldn't want to give that room in the garage, armed with that MG34 that little car outgunned most Bren Gun Carriers.

 

[Boxy]

and was made from about five parts. Things have moved on.

And four of those were wheels

 

[SPROCKET321]

the engine is rather well detailed too. Most folk looking into the bay don't understand what they see, they can't actually see the engine, here's the kit piece, showing 1. Cylinders, 3.crankcase and 2.fan housing.

 

[SPROCKET321]

the engine is hidden under the ancillaries.

A. air filter, fed from warm air intercooler pipe and inlet pipe from atmosphere.
B. Pulley wheel from crank shaft. C. air to carb, D. intercooler pipe.E. air inlet.
F. Dynamo/generator. G. oil filler cap. H. oil filter.

 

[MoleBath]

Colours may be a problem as the only war time images I've found of the 166 in Italy are those "under new managment" in Allied hands.
View attachment 631891
starting the kit with the bathtub, essential if it's to float.
View attachment 631892

I think the colour is added post war ,sorry.