A quick look at Germany’s lightest artillery tractor.
First patented Summer of 1939, and entering service in time for the invasion of the Soviet Union, the Sd.Kfz. 2 was meant to be an air transportable light duty tug. The name translates as “tracked motorcycle” and was often just shortened to Kettenkrad. It was the only such tug that could be carried in a Ju 52 transport.
The majority of the 8300 built during the War served on the Eastern Front, although late in the War many were assigned as airport tugs. This was mainly to save fuel, especially jet fuel, on taxiing.
That airport tug function is how this example was presented, is was an add-in with some editions of Tamiya’s Me 262 kit. Regulars to this site may recognize that aircraft has been “on my workbench” for a few weeks, indeed it should be done this weekend. But the little tug was finished first so I’m presenting it here a little early! This represents an anonymous tug, the kit didn’t even have any decals and suggested painting was in factory primer colors. I’ve seen photos of some operating like this, no plates no stencils; presumably as a late War expedient. Although I could mention that even today, airport service vehicles are often not considered “street legal” mainly because of licensing and insurance reasons. Perhaps in some places that translates as no plates?
Obviously that makes this the Tamiya kit! An easy and fun build.
Plane Dave 
Nice build, Dave! I don’t suppose that the Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe were any different to any other nation in not speaking to each other. 🙂
regards, Chris.
No doubt!
At least we were spared the image of a jet being towed in to place by a team of horses.
I think I’ve seen photos of that too! I want to see that kit, a team of draft horses appropriate for a WWII setting (obviously horses don’t change so much, but the rest of the rig does!). I’m sure I’ve seen such in 1/35.
I did build a “chuck wagon” in 1/35th, a German field kitchen that came with a team of horses. Also a Bengal Lancer, but that’s a different era.
I would love to see something like that 1/48. Although most manufacturers have limited themselves to higher profile (or just German) or airport service.
I found the Tamiya kit http://www.hobbylinc.com/tamiya-feldkuche-german-field-kitchen-scenery-plastic-model-military-diorama-kit-1:35-scale-35247 but apparently I must have got the horses elsewhere. I distinctly remember how frustrating the horse tac was. Can’t imagine doing it in 1/48.
I think I’ve seen that in a diorama. Very fun piece.
Mine was a Normandy diorama. German troops resting by the side of the hedgerow lined road while the “chuck wagon” moved down the road. There was also a motorcycle messenger I think. I was proud of it as it highlighted my hard-won skills at painting figures well, but no prize. Apparently too boring with no tank or pitched battle.
I like the quiet slice of life stuff too. That sounds great.
Turns out I probably did get a kit that included horses. http://www.accessmodels.co.uk/shop/tamiya/3929/gulaschkanone-(german-field-kitchen).html
Probably discontinued from the look of it.
That’s a familiar story with many kits, once they’re gone it may be forever!
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