VW Type 87/ KdF Wagen/ Kommandeurwagen build

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Kroenen1944
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VW Type 87/ KdF Wagen/ Kommandeurwagen build

Post by Kroenen1944 »

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This is likely to be a long and slow build. I know virtually nothing about RC cars and their electronics. But clearly I'm trying to learn as I go.
I managed to get my hands on a fairly rare kit a Revell 1/16 Vw Käfer. The aim being to Convert this to RC possibly 4x4. I've been viewing the builds of other Käfer and Kübelwagen builds that are on this site.
They are proving helpful.
I also intend for this build to be picture heavy with lots of links to the parts I use in order that it helps others that follow, who may well be in the same position as me, not to clued up about RC.

The day the kit landed I also learned of this! https://www.asiarcdepot.com/products/cx ... tr?ref=ssa
So I ordered it straight away. 1. it would be a good starting point to learn about the electronic set up and 2.it would save a lot of effort!
But that still leaves the revell kit and I really do want to try to make this 4x4.
I also need to "make over" the CXD kit.
I get the feeling they are going to be very popular.

Wheels and Tyres
The main hurdle I have at the moment are the wheels and tyres. I'm struggling to source anything remotely big enough! At this point could I put out an SOS?....Does anyone out there reading this have the ability to produce (or know of someone who could help?) the wheels and tyres either in a 3d printed form (STl file) for a mold for both, or even as printed examples? It might at least then be possible to make a mold of the wheels, and of the tyres and bang those out in silicone. Given that there are going to be a flood of these Vw's it would probably be worth someones time to do this. I'm happy to pay for them. or if i managed to get a tyre mold happy to bang them out for others for a small fee.
This is the kind of thing that's needed.
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My next update will be when I've prepped the body shell.
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PainlessWolf
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Re: VW Type 87/ KdF Wagen/ Kommandeurwagen build

Post by PainlessWolf »

Good Morning!
Good to see the Commander Wagen getting some deserved attention! There is also a cool 1/12 scale version of this vehicle in RC by ROC Hobby. They also have a Kubelwagen. Both vehicles are extremely detailed for RC. Good source material! Following along.
regards,
Painless
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Kroenen1944
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Re: VW Type 87/ KdF Wagen/ Kommandeurwagen build

Post by Kroenen1944 »

PainlessWolf wrote: Fri Aug 02, 2024 2:58 pm Good Morning!
Good to see the Commander Wagen getting some deserved attention! There is also a cool 1/12 scale version of this vehicle in RC by ROC Hobby. They also have a Kubelwagen. Both vehicles are extremely detailed for RC. Good source material! Following along.
regards,
Painless
Thank you for that. I will take a look. its just a shame its so big!
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Ecam
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Re: VW Type 87/ KdF Wagen/ Kommandeurwagen build

Post by Ecam »

I know you have your goal set on 4WD, but I would recommend a start with RWD. These are really small vehicles and packaging will be difficult. Once all is sorted there is nothing preventing a re-work or a second build as a 4WD. Besides those V-dubs were pretty terrific off road even in 2WD!
"Don't believe everything you see on the internet" - George S. Patton

Eric
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Kroenen1944
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Re: VW Type 87/ KdF Wagen/ Kommandeurwagen build

Post by Kroenen1944 »

Ecam wrote: Fri Aug 02, 2024 4:36 pm I know you have your goal set on 4WD, but I would recommend a start with RWD. These are really small vehicles and packaging will be difficult. Once all is sorted there is nothing preventing a re-work or a second build as a 4WD. Besides those V-dubs were pretty terrific off road even in 2WD!
Thank you Ecam.....I think you have a point. Rear wheel drive it is! space is the big issue, and there will be lights and sound and that all takes up space!
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Ecam
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Re: VW Type 87/ KdF Wagen/ Kommandeurwagen build

Post by Ecam »

Kroenen1944 wrote: Fri Aug 02, 2024 1:34 pm This is likely to be a long and slow build. I know virtually nothing about RC cars and their electronics. But clearly I'm trying to learn as I go.
As you mentioned...

RKRC did a recent conversion of a 16th Jeep to RC, should be some terrific info in there for you. He too, went 2WD because of the physical size (or lack of) of the project: viewtopic.php?t=35928

Once you get your feet wet there is nothing against watching for a 4WD/AWD set up that might work for this. Those tires might be kind of hard to locate but the possibility of making something to fill the need. Monsieur Tox has built a mold for his DUKW, first page: viewtopic.php?t=36150. He will be soon be posting a thread on the group build section to go along with my Dragon Wagon thread (and I'm counting on him to figure out the tires and wheels for our builds).

There are other examples on the forum for tires here is another mold/mould one for road wheels, Barthez'es (Barthez's - Barthez' - can't remember those grammar rules) 1/10th road wheels: viewtopic.php?t=36150

Also there is much forum history of using alternative tires like Lego offerings and others. Have a look at our RC Cars and Trucks (I've been through it several times, read every post of every thread): viewforum.php?f=81
Last edited by Ecam on Fri Aug 02, 2024 7:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"Don't believe everything you see on the internet" - George S. Patton

Eric
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Re: VW Type 87/ KdF Wagen/ Kommandeurwagen build

Post by Herr Dr. Professor »

"Besides those V-dubs were pretty terrific off road even in 2WD!" No kidding: I once drove one down the street car tracks in Köln. It's a long story.
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Kroenen1944
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Re: VW Type 87/ KdF Wagen/ Kommandeurwagen build

Post by Kroenen1944 »

Thanks guys, i will certainly check out all those links.
Sorry everyone, been away from pc for a week.
Jofaur86
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Re: VW Type 87/ KdF Wagen/ Kommandeurwagen build

Post by Jofaur86 »

there is the brand "Wedico" in 1/16 for RC trucks, I don't know if it would be suitable?
Diameter, 73 mm, width 12/19 mm depending on model, interior diameter 40 mm
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IMG_3977.jpeg (9.66 KiB) Viewed 1288 times
IMG_3976.jpeg
IMG_3976.jpeg (10.23 KiB) Viewed 1288 times
https://www.thicon-models.com/wedico-models
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Kroenen1944
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Re: VW Type 87/ KdF Wagen/ Kommandeurwagen build

Post by Kroenen1944 »

Jofaur86 wrote: Fri Aug 09, 2024 11:06 pm there is the brand "Wedico" in 1/16 for RC trucks, I don't know if it would be suitable?
Diameter, 73 mm, width 12/19 mm depending on model, interior diameter 40 mm
IMG_3977.jpeg
IMG_3976.jpeg
https://www.thicon-models.com/wedico-models
thank you for this, I'll a measure and see if they would fit....its certainly up there as an option at the moment!
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