Last year Max's Models had a Group Build devoted to Kit Bash models. These are models made by combining parts from several different kits, usually to create a fantasy design.
My Kit Bash entry was a tracked Volkswagen. There really are some tracked or half-tracked Volkswagen out there, but nothing exactly like my model.
The basis is the 1/32nd scale Airfix Volkswagen, with the tracks from the new 1/72nd scale Tiger I tank kit. I did have to lengthen the tracks to fit the VW, using parts from a second Tiger kit.
This did not mean I had to rob two Tiger kits just for their tracks. The Tiger I includes two full sets of tracks, a fast assembly version of just two parts, and a more detailed multi-part set, so I can still build the Tigers as intended. I also have a set of four Volkswagen wheels left over.
The Volkswagen is rear wheel drive, so drive sprockets are now at the rear. I also ignored the fact that the Airfix VW is right-hand drive.
Things did not go exactly according to plan, and the underside is a sorry sight. Strength took priority over realism.
I created a fictional history for the vehicle, to explain why a Volkswagen is sitting on top of a set of under-sized Tiger tracks.
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A totally fictitious history of 'The Creature'.
The hero of our story, Wilhelm Von Frankenstein, worked in a Tiger tank factory during WW2. He was therefore familiar with the suspension of the Tiger, and its interleaved road wheels.
After the war, Wilhelm bought himself a Volkswagen saloon. But he lived in an area of Germany prone to heavy snowfalls, and wanted to improve the mobility of his car in the snow.
Tracks seemed the obvious answer. Putting his wartime experience to use, he fabricated a set of tracks for his VW, based on the design of the Tiger. This explains why the suspension looks like that on a Tiger, but is considerably smaller.
Today, members of the Von Frankenstein family can still be seen driving The Creature around the family estates.
Paul Adams from New Zealand
OMG! This is hilarious! That’s a kit bash I can really get into! Your backstory is terrific (and quite plausible), but I like to think the Germans made these for use on the Moon! It looks exactly like something that could traverse the lunar landscape. Probably the coolest VW I’ve ever seen! SFZ
ReplyDeleteWay cool Paul! I can totally see that as either a) a military version in OD with a MG sticking out of the passenger side window and some up-armoring or b) a homebuilt snowmobile for the northern climes in the same fashion as what I've seen them do to Model T's
ReplyDeleteThank you. Just do not turn the model upside down - it is not pretty. I had not thought of the Creature as a Moon Car, great idea.
ReplyDeleteThe Australians actually came up with a tracked Mini for use in Antarctica, and one was sent down for tests. I found a video about it on You Tube some time ago. That would make another great model.
Brilliant idea! I'd certainly drive one! A great model too! It deserves a suitable diorama! Bill
ReplyDeleteHere! Here! A diorama for this vehicle is definitely in order! SFZ
DeleteIn German then Beetle is called a Kafer. I think the wheeled track is a Kettenrad. So, a Kettenrad Kafer! Great looking model Paul. I bet it went down well on the group build.
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