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Hillersleben 1945 – Sd.Kfz. 553 “KAISERKAEFER”


Proud Kraut
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Proud Kraut

When I first saw this kind of “alternative timeline” models some time ago I had a good laugh, what a nonsense! During the last months I found more and more of these kits, most of them in 1/72 scale. The KaiserKaefer (imperial bug) draw my attention and finally I thought about starting something total different, a “what if” diorama: U.S Infantry fighting against an experimental war machine in 1945.

I`ll post the build of the dio an the U.S. figures at the USMF:

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/342069-hillersleben-1945-–-man-vs-machine/&tab=comments#comment-2747961

To be a little bit more present at both forums I`ll post the progress of the bug´s build here. So here´s the 1/35 kit from modelcollect´s Fist of War series.Boxart, decals and construction manual (with technical data of the KK!)

 

KK1.jpg

KK2.jpg

KK4.jpg

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If anybody could make this look good, it would be you with your skills.  I can't wait to see how this turns  out!

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Yes definitely looking forward to seeing how this one turns out. Especially since its going to be a diorama. BTW: Whatever happened to the Dora big gun build? I haven't seen anything else on it.

Semper Fi.

Manny

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I think I seen  one who built a diorama of Tamiya 1/35 scale Germans battling dinosaurs in the 80s, I think it might of been in a 80s issue of the American MILITARY MODELER Magazine, these one's here, or was it in a catolog, can't remember LOL, but it was quite a depature from the usual.

image.png.3a26e2ed1564818c5ad4ac02b41b27a1.png

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12 hours ago, patches said:

I think I seen  one who built a diorama of Tamiya 1/35 scale Germans battling dinosaurs in the 80s, I think it might of been in a 80s issue of the American MILITARY MODELER Magazine, these one's here, or was it in a catolog, can't remember LOL, but it was quite a depature from the usual.

image.png.3a26e2ed1564818c5ad4ac02b41b27a1.png

I used to ALWAYS buy Military Modeler magazine at every opportunity when I was younger. Nice to see it here.

Semper Fi.

Manny

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Proud Kraut

Thanks guys! I have started to build the weapons stations ( 2 x 75 mm gun).  Not too much for an advanced war machine, isn´it? What stumped me is the absence of any close defence weapons so I have decided to upgrade the weapon systems of the KK. In addition the KK will get a "guard" of 3 remote controlled armed "Goliath" mini tanks. A worthy final enemy for the US Infantry platoon!

P.S.: @Manny: I´ll post a picture of the Dora soon. I`m afraid we have to shorten the barrel, it´s way too long (28 cm).

 

 

KK9.jpg

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Proud Kraut

The right weapon station now with 8,8 cm gun and two 2 cm machine guns which even will get larger magazines.

 

KK10.jpg

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Proud Kraut

1st leg completed. Fortunately they are maneuverable, that´s important for one scene of the dio.

 

KK12.jpg

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Proud Kraut

Thanks Manny, meanwhile the KaiserKaefer is ready to learn to walk.The interior painting isn´t complete yet.

 

 

KK15.jpg

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Proud Kraut

Left weapon station with 7,5 cm gun and twin-barelled 2 cm gun & right weapon station with multiple rocket launcher and 2 cm twin-barrelled gun.

 

KK16.jpg

KK17.jpg

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Nice touch Lars. I like that you replaced the other 75mm gun with a Nebelwerfer. Those 20mm guns are more than enough to repel approaching infantry. Definitely this is one machine I wouldn't want to confront. In my opinion I figure a Sherman Firefly, M10 or M18 tank destroyers could have the firepower to take this thing out. This thing is a beast.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

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My only question about this beast is who changes out the magazines on the the 2 cm guns during a firefight?  

 

Sorry... it's still a terror that would have been ahead of its time!

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Proud Kraut

Good point, Gil! The mazines can´t be changed out during a firefight, that´s why I extended the 20 rounds magazines to 40 rounds magazines. Of course overall 160 x 2cm rounds are still not too much.  Larger drum magazines would be nice, I will think about it again...

KK20.jpg

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Well since you won't be firing at aircraft, per se, with those 20mm guns, I would say that 40 rounds per magazine is a nice load. The 20mm round can do a lot of damage to regular infantry in the open or in defilade and to soft vehicles and armored cars.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

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Please don't change the design per my comments.  I am sure late in the war the designers would have opted for simple solutions.

 

It was just a thought of how this would actually work.

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Proud Kraut

Too late (I didn´t like the extented magazines either). They were replaced by 3 magazine containers with 6 magazines on each side. Looks much better and we have increased the 2cm ammo from 160 to 240 rounds. Thanks again for the hint!

 

KK22.jpg

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Proud Kraut

Close ups of the remote contolled Goliath mini tanks. One with 2cm gun (with 4 magazines) and one with MG42.

 

 

KK24.jpg

KK25.jpg

KK26.jpg

KK27.jpg

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WOW! Kudos to you Lars. Your kitbashing and scratchbuilding have really made this a weapon that would have been feared to have come upon in combat. Nice job on changing your design of the 2cm ammo mags. Your Goliath tankettes are a great touch. This is a great project so far and I'm looking forward to your diorama with the American soldiers engaging this thing. 

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

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Proud Kraut

Manny, thank you! Not much progress here. I have started to paint the interior. I think I will not waste much time on it because the KK will be displayed "in action" with closed hatches. At the moment I´m thinking about how to paint the whole kit. Not sure if it will be some kind of "hull red unpainted" prototype or extraordinary camo style. We´ll see...

 

K28.jpg

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