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Pkw.K1 Kübelwagen Typ 82

Tamiya

Reviewed by Brett Green

I saw Tamiya's 1/16 scale radio controlled Kubelwagen on a Japanese website recently. 

The model captured my imagination. I have seen no publicity about this remote control vehicle in western publications or websites, although a static tropical version will be available later in the year. The price was affordable compared to the (seemingly) unattainable 1/16 scale Tiger I, and the images looked good. 

Even better, this remote control scale model would be a great chase car for my daughter's remote-control Tamiya Mercedes!

My 1/16 scale Kubelwagen arrived from Japan last week. 

The sturdy box contains everything that is needed to build and run the remote control car, including 2 channel radio transmitter, motors and control unit. The only extra expense will be batteries.

There are a surprisingly small number of plastic parts for such a large kit. Less than 100 parts in tan and grey styrene exude Tamiya quality. 5 clear plastic parts and a host of multi-media pieces make up the remainder of the model. Tamiya round out the package by supplying several tools and even a tube of grease.

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Instructions are called out in 25 steps, with a further 4 steps describing the operation and maintenance of the car. The 22 page instruction book is clearly illustrated with captions where required. Markings are supplied for four vehicles. These offer nice variety, with one vehicle in overall dark yellow, one in panzer grey, one in a disruptive scheme of green over dark yellow, and the final option of red-brown over dark yellow.

Surface texture is gorgeous. The distinctive pressed ribs on the vehicle are beautifully reproduced inside and out. The fabric texture of the seats and the folded hood are equally good. They will look fantastic after a subtle oil wash. 

There are some very slight ejector pin marks on the inner surface of the body. A few of these will be visible inside the cabin if they are not filled.

I was delighted to see that this large-scale vehicle has received extra attention to a number of detail parts. The dashboard offers the option of a painted instrument face or a decal. Both options supply a clear lens for added authenticity. The headlights include a clear lens behind the blackout covers. The Notek assembly includes a part representing the slotted light lens. The tail light also has an optional clear part that will look great when painted carefully. The clamp and restraining strap for the shovel are moulded on, but look quite convincing. All of these aspects of the kit are a noticeable improvement over its 1/35 scale counterpart. The timber slat floor is attached to the front fenders. This part is secured over the floor of the chassis, which is accurately moulded with pressed ribs. This will look three-dimensionally authentic when assembled. However, some obvious compromises have been made to accommodate the control unit, motors, batteries and steering mechanism. The most prominent fictitious addition is a new front bumper bar. This is a plastic part moulded to the lower chassis cover. It will undoubtedly protect the front of the vehicle from minor collisions with furniture and children, but many purists will probably remove the part. The front suspension is also a practical concession to the radio control, but it actually does not look too bad - it is at least in the spirit of the real thing. Next is a large lump in front of the back seat. This houses the four AAA batteries. I will be covering this with a lead-foil tarpaulin and a jerry can (if I can find one in 1/16 scale). Of course, the bottom of the vehicle has access to the battery compartment too. The wheels are not detailed on the rear (but the faces look great), and the reduction gear on the rear drive wheel is gigantic. The radio requires a large antenna on the rear of the vehicle. Other minor points are the lack of pedals (also missed in the 1/35 scale Tamiya kit) and, somewhat annoyingly, moulded-on door handles, inside and out. The real door handles are curved and stand proud of the doors. Separate parts would have been far more appropriate in this scale.

If accuracy is your ultimate objective, the static model due later in the year should address most of the issues raised in this review. Judging from the parts breakdown, the static model will have a totally different chassis and suspension.

On the other hand, if you have always hankered to see your scale creations on the move, then this large scale Kubelwagen is for you. The compromises to accommodate the control unit, batteries and steering gear have been kept to a minimum, and the remainder of the kit is pure Tamiya. 

I sincerely hope that Tamiya continue to release these big vehicles.

Recommended.

Review Copyright © 2001 by Brett Green
Page Created 13 March, 2001
Last updated 22 July, 2003

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