Rubicon Models 280072 Ku?Belwagen Type 82 1:56 Plastic Model Kit

Description

Rubicon Models Kubelwagen Type 82

The History

The Volkswagen Kubelwagen was a light military vehicle designed by Ferdinand Porsche and built by Volkswagen during World War II for use by the German military (both Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS). Based heavily on the Volkswagen Beetle, it was prototyped as the Type 62, but eventually became known internally as the Type 82.
Kubelwagen is an abbreviation of Kubelsitzwagen, meaning "bucket-seat car" because all German light military vehicles that had no doors were fitted with bucket seats to prevent passengers from falling out. The first VW test vehicles had no doors and were therefore fitted with bucket seats, so acquiring the name VW Kubelsitzwagen that was later shortened to Kubelwagen. Mercedes, Opel and Tatra also built Kubel(sitz)wagens.
The Kubelwagen is really simple in design. With a two-wheel-drive configuration, it could easily cope with snow, ice and mud (to some extent); the vehicle surprised even those in charge of the development.  In some test, it showed even superior handling characteristics than some 4x4s. This was due to a combination of a lightweight chassis and smooth, flat underbody which "surfed" on soft surfaces just like a motorized sled, allowing it to follow tracked vehicles without much trouble.  It was propelled by a rear-mounted air-cooled flat-4, 985cc FMCV-1 engine, linked to a 4-speed manual transmission with a self-locking differential. With its air-cooled configuration, it was dispensed a radiator and therefore proved less sensitive to bullets, while being also highly tolerant of climates extremes. For starting in winter, a volatile fuel was required, stored in a small auxiliary fuel tank.
When Volkswagen production ceased at the end of the war, 50,435 Kubelwagen vehicles had been produced, and the vehicle had proven itself to be surprisingly useful, reliable, and durable. The Kbelwagen was for the Germans what the Jeep and GAZ-67 were for the Allies.
 
Product Highlights

Two Types of tyres for both Nirth African and European campaigns

Two headlight options included

Optional fold-down windshiels with canvas cover

Extra door parts for open door conversation included

Driver with two head options included

Base kit for radio Car conversations (sold separately)

Number of parts:49 Pieces / 1 Sprue