PzKpfw I Ausf. A: die Klapperkiste

Sticky Fingers · June 04, 2015, 09:37:20 AM

When this kit came out back in 2006 I directly knew what I wanted to do with it.
It's Tristar's 1/35 "Panzerkampfwagen 1 ausf. A ohne Aufbau". Good thing I had so many other things to do, it was still waiting to be pulled from the stash so this groupbuild is as good a reason as any.

The box:

Sprues, for your pleasure:

And today's progress:

Nothing added, swopped, twisted or snapped off, yet...

Mossie · June 04, 2015, 12:34:22 PM

I'm thinking beach buggy...

Come on, spill the beans!

Sticky Fingers · June 04, 2015, 04:00:00 PM

Captain Canada · June 04, 2015, 04:10:59 PM

Interesting subject ! But wait a minute, isn't A for apple and J for jacks ? Cinnamon toasty that's a fact !

Sticky Fingers · June 05, 2015, 03:04:22 AM

No beachbuggy, but close: I'm planning to turn this into a hot rod.
I was thinking of calling it "die Klapperkiste", German for jalopy

Plans include lowering the ride hight, wider tracks (not sure how I'm going to handle that one), different exhaust set-up (loud pipes save lives etc.) modifying the engine deck and most importantly just having fun.
I'm using a Kübelwagen as a donor, keeping things nice and nationalistic, maybe the parts left from that will also get "the treatment", but that is not in the planning at the moment.

Hm, it is now.

zenrat · June 05, 2015, 04:17:42 AM

Mmmmmmm, i'm in love.
Flames and chrome?

Dizzyfugu · June 05, 2015, 05:48:46 AM

After WWII the Kettenkräder (frequently seen as aircraft tugs) saw a second career as agricultural vehicles in Germany, also as conversion.

Sticky Fingers · June 05, 2015, 06:10:02 AM

Right-o. Butchery commences

Original wheel placement:

And lowered version:

It's not the best kit I've ever build. Details are nice, but there's flash in odd places, snapped parts here and there, and the guide misnames partnumbers every once in a while, just to see if you're still paying attention

Quote from: Dizzyfugu on June 05, 2015, 05:48:46 AMAfter WWII the Kettenkräder (frequently seen as aircraft tugs) saw a second career as agricultural vehicles in Germany, also as conversion.

I've got a picture of one somewhere, I took it in '88 while on holiday somewhere near Bamberg. Painted primer-red!

Quote from: zenrat on June 05, 2015, 04:17:42 AMMmmmmmm, i'm in love.
Flames and chrome?

Maybe I'll try some pinstriping...

Mossie · June 05, 2015, 11:49:25 AM

Oh, I like this very much.

PR19_Kit · June 05, 2015, 04:36:49 PM

A GMC 6-71 sticking out of the hood would work well..........

VickersVandal · June 05, 2015, 05:15:50 PM

Quote from: Sticky Fingers on June 05, 2015, 03:04:22 AM
No beachbuggy, but close: I'm planning to turn this into a hot rod.
I was thinking of calling it "die Klapperkiste", German for jalopy

This is genius! Insane genius.

zenrat · June 05, 2015, 05:36:00 PM

I have a long term plan to knock up a 1/25 Kettenkraftrad with long chopper style forks and a Stovebolt engine - A Chevenkrad.

This kit looks to be exactly what I need to donate the tracks & transmission.
How long is it please?

PR19_Kit · June 06, 2015, 12:32:49 AM

Quote from: zenrat on June 05, 2015, 05:36:00 PM
I have a long term plan to knock up a 1/25 Kettenkraftrad with long chopper style forks and a Stovebolt engine - A Chevenkrad.

Now that HAS to be a winner at any show!

Sticky Fingers · June 06, 2015, 01:55:35 AM

Quote from: zenrat on June 05, 2015, 05:36:00 PMHow long is it please?

It's about 10 cm long and with tracks I'd say about 5 cm wide.
Do your maths if you use inchemes and foots...

Or this might help, too:

A souped up Kettenkräd in that scale will be a showstopper, hope your plans become reality

zenrat · June 06, 2015, 05:36:10 AM

Thanks Sticky. That looks to be just about the right size.
I shall look out for one - the fact it has the gearbox is a definite plus.
Now, sorry for the interruption, lets get back to this most excellent jalopy.