KettenkradComparison

Manufacturer:Hasegawa (Kit #MT13) and Academy (Kit #1310)

By Stephen Brezinski

Here are three photos forcomparison of the Hasegawa 1/72 Kettenrad (in panzer gray) andthe Academy 1/72 Kettenrad (three color camouflage and withengine exposed).

When the Academy GroundVehicle Set of the Jeep, Kubelwagen & Kettenrad was releasedit was thought by some that the Academy vehicles was simply are-release of the older Hasegawa items. On examining the spruesand instruction you can clearly see this is not so.

Though the Hasegawa modelsare still good kits, the Academy models are a bit more refinedand detailed. All three Academy vehicles come with engines andoptional clear engine hoods (bonnets) so as to display the engineafter building. The Hasegawa tractor comes included with aSchwimwagen and two sitting figures. The Kettenrads both comparewell in size and both come with markings.

This tracked motorcyclewas used by the German Army for transportation in rough terrain,and as a towing tractor. The Luftwaffe used them to tow planesand equipment. They were also quite coveted by the allies whencaptured and one is featured in the film Saving Private Ryan.

Here is photo of Academy,1/72 Kettenrad with a small trailer used for bomb transport. Thetrailer is a 1/87 kit of a luggage cart from Grandt Line. A verydelicate and detailed model. It looks convincing as an impressedbomb trailer for a Luftwaffe base, 1943-44? Figures is 1/72Prieser.