Converting a Kubel.

[midlife306]

I have an Asiatam metal RC Kubelwagen, it’s a very robust piece of kit
https://www.asiatam.de/Panzerzubehoer/A ... -1-16.html
Cheers
Wayne


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[midlife306]

https://www.rcjaz.com/tamiya-36204-116- ... -5402.html

I think their price calculations may be out a little....


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[jarndice]

That's as maybe but they have a 1/14 r/c Tamiya Volvo F12 Semi truck for £179 and that is the cheapest I know of although it is a base model and would need at least some options to bring it upto spec but the Tank is a little on the cheap side
It is a Hong Kong based company if that has anything to do with it.

[jarndice]

I ordered a Tamiya 1/16 static Kubel from a Hong Kong based company (www.rcjaz.com) on the 7th of this month (October) and it arrived this morning (The 15th) in perfect order, Complete and it even includes Feld Marshal Erwin Rommel in the box , £54 + £17 postage,
The postage includes a tracking number so that you can follow the progress of your parcel.
A tip, If you do decide to buy from this dealer and my own experience makes me recommend you do you will be offered the choice of extra packaging,
My Kubels Box was surrounded by thick polystyrene sheet and was clearly marked "FRAGILE", so save your money the regular packaging is good enough.

[Max-U52]

That's such a good price I'm tempted to order one, even though that would make two. I still need to get off my duff and RC the first one. I haver the crawler, and Jeff did a great job on his and there are photos so like I said, I need to get off my duff and git 'er done.

Are you going to RC yours, and what are your plans for running gear/drivetrain?

[jarndice]

My intention is eventually to r/c the kubel but before that I will need to hinge the bonnet/hood and boot/trunk lids and if I can do that then I shall also hinge the doors,
I was surprised that Tamiya had not made provision for that especially when you consider the amount of detail in the engine bay all of which would be invisible with a glued shut bonnet/hood,
The doors can probably be made to work using piano wire but the other openings appear to be more challenging,
I have so far only looked at the sprues through their plastic bags so all plans are in the air and infinitely adaptable,
Any and all suggestions will be valued.
I have read a couple of reviews on building the model both of which are mostly positive but they do point out some weaknesses that need to be addressed,
Certainly my first impression is that it needs a lot of metal which a decent chassis holding all the r/c and battery should provide.
I shall be trawling through r/c car sites looking for a chassis of suitable dimensions.
As it is there are two Panzer 4s in different stages of construction to be got on with first as well as a 1/8th r/c war bird.

[Rad_Schuhart]

I published this long time ago. It is the only kubelwagen I keep now.
https://radindustries.wordpress.com/201 ... e-82-1943/

It is indeed way too fragile for RCing it. The RC version comes with the lower parts made of ABS meanwhile this is made of styrene.
I just thought the time and effort it can take to make it rc and I just decided it does not worth it. Making a working suspension is hard, and running with no suspension is just too toy like. Adding sounds and lights is the super easy part, but the driving things can be complicated.

And yes, I am super pissed too with the lack of hinges. At least it should have one to be able to see the engine!

[jarndice]

Rad, I think MAX -U52s suggestion of using a 1/24 LOSI Crawler r/c chassis or similar should help provide the stiffness as well as the suspension that the otherwise flimsy vehicle lacks,
Of course in the full size automotive world convertibles have always needed extra stiffening,
I can fit hinges to all the doors and hatches but they not only need to work but be seen to be "Correct" and that is going to be the problem.
And that is why I am thinking of piano wire instead of conventional hinges.
I figure if I live for about another 40 years I should have this all worked out,
This could get me an entry into the Guinness book of records as well as give my children and their children fits

[Max-U52]

I won't be using the whole chassis, just the axles the motor and the driveshafts. Jeff came up with a pretty good way to attach them and still have active suspension so I'm going to copy him.

[jarndice]

I have already discovered that while the track (4 inches) is good the wheelbase (Front Axle centre to Rear Axle centre) is too short (Should be 6 inches) so I have been looking for other chassis of the correct dimensions so far no luck and I may well be doing a cut and shut/Fill.
No rush, I shall not be doing much with it until the New Year.