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An unknown historic Kettenkrad scale model made from metal has appeared!

A few weeks ago I received the pictures shown below. They show a formerly unknown historic scale model of the Kettenkrad. I've never seen such a model before.

From what I was told, three of these models were built in the early 1940s and given to Adolf Hitler, Karl Dönitz and Albert Speer.

It was not unusual in those times, that high quality scale vehicles models were made for presentation to high ranking politicians to promote the vehicle. A well-known example is the model of the KDF-Wagen (Volkswagen Beetle).

The model shown here comes from the inheritance of General Friedrich-Wilhelm Holzhäuer. He was head of the department WaPrüf6 in the Heereswaffenamt from 1st of July 1942 and from 1st of October 1944 promoted to head of the complete Amtsgruppe WaPrüf (Tanks and motorisation). So he was the boss of Ernst Kniepkamp, who is named as the inventor of the Kettenkrad in the patents of the Kettenkrad.

General Holzhäuer had got the model from Albert Speer.

I don't know, if the other two models still exist or if there has ever been more than three of these models.

The model is about 31 cm (12") long (so near 1/10 scale), bolted together from several parts made of diecast zinc (?) and weighs roughly 3 kg.

It is much more detailed than the well-known tin toy model from NSU. The tracks are made from independent track links and all the wheels are spring-loaded. The suspension is adjustable.

It is very unusual, that for such a small series of models that diecast zinc (?) was used, because this requires expensive die casting moulds.

Interestingly the model doesn't show a very early prototype Kettenkrad. It already has the rear tower Mk.2 (trailer plug socket above the NOTEK) but it is still finished in dark grey (Panzergrau).

There is one little fault on the model: The (printed) light openings of the rear NOTEK are upside down. On the original NOTEK the row with the four small openings is on top, the two bigger ones below.

So who has seen such a model before? Who knows more details about the history?

Drop me an E-Mail !