Sd.Kfz.2 Kleines Kettenkraftrad 1st Gebirgs Division 1942 HG1703 scale 1:48

Sd.Kfz.2 Kleines Kettenkraftrad 1st Gebirgs Division Soviet Union 1942 Hobby Master HG1703 scale 1:48 Half-track motorcycle Hobby Master 1:48 scale Ground Power series Hobby Master item number: HG1703 Scale 1:48 Die Cast Model The Sd.Kfz. 2 designation was for the Kettenkrad. Ketten means tracks and krad is the military abbreviation of Kraftrad, administrative term for motorcycle. Originally intended for use by German airborne troops it was designed to fit inside the JU-52 aircraft. With its amazing ability to tow 4 tons the vehicle soon was used to tow light artillery and trailers as well as aircraft to save aviation fuel. One variant was specifically used for laying communication cables. The vehicle was turned using handlebars or in tandem with track brakes. This Sd. Kfz. 2 Kettenkrad belonged to the 1st Gebirgs Division (1st Mountain Division), an elite unit mostly comprised of Bavarians and some Austrians. The Division took part in the invasion of Yugoslavia and then entered the Soviet Union and became part of Operation Barbarossa. They also took part in the Second Battle of Kharkov and proceeded through the Southern Soviet Union and into the Caucasus area as part of Operation Edelweiss. In 1945 what was left of the division surrendered to the Americans in Austria. Specifications for the NSU Werke AG Kettenkrad Manufacturer – Opel (GM) Production Period – 1941 / 1944 Number Produced – 8,345 Crew - 3 / Driver + 2 passengers) Engine - Water-cooled four cylinder in-line engine with (OHV) 36 bhp (26 kW) @ 3400 rpm Maximum Speed - 70 km/h (44 mph) Total weight -1,560 kg (3,444 lb) Gearbox Reverse - 1 Forward - 2 Length – 3,000 mm (118") Width – 1,000 mm (39") Height – 1,200 mm (47") Tire size -3.50-19