Quick history

After German militaristic expansion and mobilization in the late 1930's plans were soon made for a military version of the civilian Volkswagen 60 in a military vehicle, able to carry four people with their equipment, started in 1936. First prototypes were produced in november 1938 and the German army selects one of the models in competition.


This car is the brainchild of legendary vehicle designer Profesor Ferdinand Porsche. The production begins immediately and the first Kübel enters active service in the German army in December 1939. This vehicle was officially named "Kübelsitz-wagen" model 82, but very quickly, the German soldiers called it Kübelwagen.


The Type 82 featured a trustworthy 4-cylinder, horizontally opposed, air-cooled engine, capable of 23.5hp at 3000rpm and provided a top speed of 80km/h.


This vehicle is a very strong and robust car, capable of evolving on different terrains. Different versions were produced from 1940: one able to evolve in arid zones, the other in very cold zones. More than 55,000 units of the Kübelwagen Model 82 were built during the Second World War. They were employed in many roles such as reconnaissance and communications purposes, and even as an engine starter car for tanks.


Because of its reliability and ease of repair, and since its engine did not require a coolant, the Kubelwagen proved particulary effective in North Africa.


After the war, this sturdy, hardened war veteran was reborn as the iconic Volkswagen “Beetle”, loved by generations of drivers and automobile fans all over the world.

Box Review

As far as I know, this is the 5th and last 1/24th Küblewagen produced by Hasegawa.

First one was #24503 Pkw.K1 Kübelwagen Type 82 in 2004
Second one was #24504 Pkw.K1 Kübelwagen Type 82 "DAK" with new sand tyres and a DAK fig in 2005
Third one was #20228 PkwK1 Kübelwagen Type 82 Otto with Joachim Marseille metal fig in 2006
Fourth one was #20224 Pkw.K1 Kubelwagen Type 82 "Early Version" in 2012
And number five is #52160 Wild Egg Girls No.02 Pkw.K1 Kubelwagen Type 82 with Claire Frost resin figure.

This last version is in fact the 2005 DAK version with a new decal sheet. Original decals are also included. The kit comes in a usual top opening box with nice box art illustration on the lid. The kit is molded in desert tan colour and divided in 13 part trees, two of them beeing transparent, plus one Anime resin figure and five sand tyres. These balloon tires will look nice painted up with a light dusty coat of paint. Last small sprue is the one with poly caps.

Molding quality is excellent, as we come to expect from Hasegawa. Most ejector pin marks will be hidden after assembly, but still, there is quite a few which will require attention.

Engine is nicely detailed but slightly simplified, interior and chassis have nice details too. Plenty of accessories (MG, jerrycans, Kar K98, etc) will allow you to build a diorama without having to buy extra stuff. The driver fig lacks details but will do the job!

The instruction booklet in Hasegawa usual style describes the various stages of assembly, with numbers, letters, easily identifying the parts, their placement, and a rough assembly order. Instructions are clear, easy to follow.

I spent some time examining kit parts and comparing them to photos of real Kübelwagen and I think that Hasegawa did an excellent job replicating the features of this vehicle. There are some small details missing but these are all things that can be very easily added. There are of course some minor simplifications but nothing that could be considered a serious flaw.

The headlights include a clear lens behind the blackout covers.

I will build it out of the box...

Assembly

The construction is conventional. Build starts with the engine block and air cleaner. Nothing to mention here as all parts fit really well with little flash or sanding. Transmission is assembled and fixed to the engine.

Engine and transmission are glued at the rear extremity of the underside of the Kübelwagen's bodywork. Engine will have to be painted before fixing the upper part of chassis.

Rear suspension arms and rear drums fits in place perfectly; this Hasegawa build is really pleasant. Front suspension requires a little bit more attention with some of the parts being small and fragile.

The engine room is easy to assemble. Do not forget the data plate decal after painting...

Following the instruction sheet, assembly of rear bumper was no problem, although being a little bit tricky. This step requires patience. I drilled the crank hole.

As it will be easier for painting session, I do not exactly follow the building steps.

Side panels and body parts follow, upper hatch, as well as rear seat which lacks a proper texture. I had to drill gear shift's hole, it was too tiny. I had no problems fixing hand brake and pedals. Right and left side panels are glued together with engine room at that stage. Part C11 (front wings) is fixed together with side panels and not to chassis. This way, it will be easier when I will start to paint.

I skip step 10 (muffler installation). I will build this after painting the chassis. Same thing with steering column and steering wheel.

Front seats have no texture, just like the rear seat.

I glued taillights, crank and air pump on rear hatch, keeping this part apart for painting.

Take care when building the winshield; whippers electrical motors have a left and a right side.

It is now front panel's turn, with fuel cap, fuel tank, Notek light and windshield clamps.

Front lights are fixed on front wings. Shovel and phon on left side panel.

I am now preparing doors before painting. As I intend to let driver's door opened, I fixed handle in down position. Please note that door panel part K5 will be fixed in front on the left side and in rear position on the right side of the vehicule. Same with part K6.

Hood needs filing and sanding before fixing hood framework on both sides.

It is now time to give some colours to this Kübelwagen, before finishing the build.