Making the 21C Kubelwagen more "driver friendly"
Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2006 12:42 am
Having received a generous grant from the Digger Foundation, I've gotten a chance to try and make one of the original 21C Kubelwagens more "driver friendly". Here's the link to some of the construction photos.
http://community.webshots.com/album/546862189pGZuCX
The Kubel is pretty easy to disassemble - just three screws. It may also be glued on the frame, as it took a little bit to pull it apart, but I couldn't see where. Once inside, you can see the problem is 21C didn't kick the "firewall" out far enough (see pics legroom_previous and passengers_precut). So with my trusty dremmel, I cut the firewall out up to the supports for the front axle. My Germans seem much happier now, and sit a little lower (see the other pictures in the album). The arms against the doors are a little funky, but I'm sure it would look better with some new shoulder joints. Also tried the seating out with some paratroopers, and was able to get two in the front seats just fine.
For those more familiar with the Kubel, you'll have to let me know if the Germans are sitting low enough. If not, I'm sure I can get them down lower. I also think it may be possible to drop the backseat further back to be able to fit figures there. And, I need to finish adding some panels around the front compartment to hide the drivers boots. As I do more mods, I'll add some more pictures.
http://community.webshots.com/album/546862189pGZuCX
The Kubel is pretty easy to disassemble - just three screws. It may also be glued on the frame, as it took a little bit to pull it apart, but I couldn't see where. Once inside, you can see the problem is 21C didn't kick the "firewall" out far enough (see pics legroom_previous and passengers_precut). So with my trusty dremmel, I cut the firewall out up to the supports for the front axle. My Germans seem much happier now, and sit a little lower (see the other pictures in the album). The arms against the doors are a little funky, but I'm sure it would look better with some new shoulder joints. Also tried the seating out with some paratroopers, and was able to get two in the front seats just fine.
For those more familiar with the Kubel, you'll have to let me know if the Germans are sitting low enough. If not, I'm sure I can get them down lower. I also think it may be possible to drop the backseat further back to be able to fit figures there. And, I need to finish adding some panels around the front compartment to hide the drivers boots. As I do more mods, I'll add some more pictures.
....now we gotta figure out a way for the "new" Dodge,... so the figures can fit better in it too ! 
Your idea is much better now any trooper will fit.
