Making the 21C Kubelwagen more "driver friendly"

[Morian Miner]

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.

[momaw nadon]

Now you have to work on the back seats, but I think that's impossible. Looks great though. I might have to try that.
momaw nadon

[MG-42]

Thanks for the idea,... ....now we gotta figure out a way for the "new" Dodge,... so the figures can fit better in it too !

[normandy]

Here are 2 pics fo a Kubelwagen.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/226 ... 8682wvgnRM

http://community.webshots.com/photo/226 ... 8682hEjrKf
These pics were taken a year apart at the same museum (American Air Power. Farmingdale, NY) so I think its the same Kubel.
Thats a great tip, nice job Morian Miner. I took the lower legs off my S1 German officer to get him to fit Your idea is much better now any trooper will fit.

[kevrut]

Good ideas. This would go good in the "tips" thread.

[tmanthegreat]

Good idea! I never really had a problem fitting two full-size S1 figures into the front of my Kubelwagon, however. It is a tight squeeze for sure, but they fit - and sit. You just have to bend the legs correctly. The back seat is a different story, so I simply have one soldier sitting across the seat, holding the MG. You can sort of see what I did in this diorama photo of my Kubelwagon:



I have not tried one of the newer BoB Germans (w/o the coat) or a Fallschrimjager figure yet.

[Morian Miner]

Just wanted another post to hit 600

Seriously, as an open letter to 21C - MAKE THIS CHANGE TO THE KUBELWAGON MOLD AND RERELEASE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!