ITALERI 1/9 KETTENKRAD
Working suspension and tracks – Opening engine cowlings – highly detailed engine and decals – tool set
Initially developed as a light transport vehicle for airborne troops, the Sd.Kfz 2 “Kettenkrad” was a small vehicle with a motorcycle-like front part, characterized by the handlebars and central wheel, and by the designed rear part to adopt a 6-wheel tracked structure. The Kettenkrad could carry 2 men, in addition to the conductor, or carry materials and ammunition. Thanks to its 1488 cm³ Opel 4-cylinder in-line engine with overhead valve distribution and water cooling , the same as the Opel Olympia car , it could reach a maximum speed of 70 km/h. By means of its rear hook it was capable of towing up to 450 kg of material but also small-sized anti-tank guns. The Kettenkrad proved to be optimal for transporting loads and men on difficult terrain such as the sandy ones of North Africa or the muddy ones of the Russian steppe. Later, from 1944 onwards, it was also used for handling Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighters and Arado A-234 jet bombers on runways.