Master Box 1/35 German Motorcyclists; 'Letting off Steam'

The BMW R75 was World War II-era motorcycle and sidecar combination produced by the German company BMW.

BMW were already producing a number of popular and highly effective motorcycles, and developed the R75 in response to a request from the German army to make a machine more capable in off-road conditions, the Zündapp KS 750. BMW copied the technically advanced Zündapp KS 750 in which the third side-car wheel was driven from an axle connected to the rear wheel of the motorcycle, effectively making it a three-wheeled vehicle. Fitted with a locking differential and selectable road and off-road gear ratios the R75 was highly manoeuvrable and capable of negotiating most surfaces. It was even fitted with a reverse gear.

The BMW R75 and its rival the Zündapp KS 750 were both widely used by the Wehrmacht in Russia and North Africa, though after a period of evaluation it became clear that the Zündapp was the superior machine. In August 1942 Zündapp and BMW, on the urging of the Army, agreed upon standardization of parts for both machines, with a view of eventually creating a Zündapp-BMW hybrid, in which a 286/1 side-car would be grafted onto a Zündapp KS 750 motorcycle. They also agreed that the manufacture of the R75 would cease once production reached 20,200 units, and after that point BMW and Zündapp would only produce the Zündapp-BMW machine, manufacturing 20,000 each year.

Since the target of 20,200 BMW R75's was not reached, it remained in production until the Eisenach factory was so badly damaged by Allied bombing that production ceased in 1944. A further 98 units were assembled by the Soviets in 1946 as reparations.

Tough to say if this is a figure kit with a motorcycle or a motorcycle kit with figures. Regardless, it is quite well done. Starting with the figures portion of things there are four of them in the set; two standing and two sitting. The sitting figures are designed to fit into the sidecar and on the back of the motorcycle. The standing figures are the one taking a pee and one other standing and stretching. I guess the alternate stretching one is for those who'd rather not have to use the somewhat risqué or tasteless pose.

For these figures, the assembly and painting guide are on the back of the box and in full color.

The motorcycle is quite well detailed and complete with extra baggage packs to place as you see fit. The engine, for example is made up of a dozen parts and does require a bit of drilling to be done to it in order to attach to the frame. Nicely done wire wheels are also part of the package and while not as well done as some photo etch versions, are still quite acceptable. The bike also has two gun options. Markings are for no fewer than six bikes in various colors; mostly panzer grey, panzer yellow or white washed. There is an ambulance version as well as for various panzer divisions in Russia, Italy, France and North Africa. Two nicely done decal sets are included with optional license plates and some road signs that may be useful.

The instructions for the motorcycle are well drawn, but you are on your own when it comes to painting the bits as no dedicated construction painting guide is provided. I guess the box art will have to do.

Overall, a fine set that will look great either by itself or in a diorama scene. Not exactly cheap, but then, it has considerable detail to it and lots of parts. 

http://en.wikipedia.org

January 2009

My thanks to www.dragonmodelsusa.com for the preview kit. Get yours today at your local shop or on-line retailer.

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