This tiny WW2 German vehicle is actually part of a kit including a Kubelwagen as well as this motorcycle Kit #MT-12. Historically, this was one of the best motorcycles of the 1940’s and was actually copied by the Soviets and Harley Davidson. It was introduced in 1941 just before the German motorcycle infantry were being switched over to SPW’s (Schutzenpanzerwagens, a.k.a. armored halftracks). Considering its 1000 lb. weight and expense, most of its duties as a personnel and reconnaissance vehicle were taken over by the Kubelwagen. Even so I understand about 35,000 units were produced. With the powered sidecar it had very good cross-country mobility. Seeing as I will probably never own a real bike, this will have to be the closest thing for me.

     The kit is parts of light gray injection molded polystyrene. Despite being an old kit it didn’t have much flash to deal with. Two figures are included, one driver and an officer holding a map (the figure in the photo is from the Hasegawa Kettenrad kit and portrays a Heer (Army) military policeman).

Directing traffic, a Heer Military Policeman stands next to his BMW R75 with sidecar: Ost Front, 1943-1944. [Photos by S. Brezinski]

     The floor of the sidecar should be detailed with strips of styrene to simulate the wooden slats that should be there. The vehicle was given a post-1943 coat of acrylic panzeryellow; the tires were done in a dark gray. A helmet placed on the driver’s seat was taken from a soft plastic figure. The motorcycle driver’s coat was often made of rubberized fabric so I gave it a semigloss gray-green.

     The wheels are molded solid between the spokes. With a scribing tool and a no. 11 blade you may want to hollow out areas between the forks and around the wheels. A little depth to the recesses can be added with a dark wash. A reasonably detailed Mg 34 is included for the sidecar though I recommend that you rebuild the gun mount and substitute a spare Mg 34 from an ESCI halftrack kit. Fine wire will make reasonable brake and shift cables.

    Overall the kit is nice and builds well though do to the nature of the scale it is rather difficult to see and appreciate.