Kettenkrad

Found this website which should tell you everything you ever wanted to know (and more!) about the wonderful little 'half-track', the German Kettenkrad.

http://www.kettenkrad.de/index_e.htm

 

That was an interesting site, It's amazing the machine could do 45 on a good day. Must be real tough to steer.
Thanks for the info

 

That must have cost extra

 

It does seem to be the recovery vehicle of choice at these events doesn't it. Small compact, powerful and with some real pulling power.

 

Ooops, duplicate in error and edited out :mellow:

 

Now that is one way to be pulled out of the mud!

Ross

 

SOme good shots of Chaffee mouching about there too. Have a Soft spot for ther Chaffee think it was quite a landmark in US tank design (Quite possably the best US design of the war I reckon), I can see its influance in much later vehicles. Should have been out in 44 though for NW europe and not soldiered on with the Honey.

Kev

 

Whilst on holiday down in Bavaria a few years ago I was behind one on a country road leading into a small town.
The kettenkrad was obviously owned by a farmer who was going into town.

The rider stopped at a junction and wanted to turn left. When the road was clear he started to turn left and ended up travelling over the far pavement! Obviously a fault on the track clutch system, which should activate on a tight turn!

There is also a great video on you tube of the assembly line during the war set to North German rapp music. I have misplaced the lead, but a search under Kettenkrad should find it, plus many more.

A super little machine, also used by the Luftwaffe for moving planes about due to fuel shortages. The idea is being used now by Virgin to save fuel on the plane by towing to the apron!

Regards
Tom

 

Nice colour photo of some Americans in a Kettenkrad .
http://www.ww2talk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1532

This isn't working - am I unhappy one?

 

Adam,

That is really serious money!

There must be lots left abandoned in the old DDR part of Germany where they were still manufactured after the war, for the farmers to use as tractors.

It would be nice to find some in an old barn!

Attached are a couple of shots of a Kettenkrad at the Luftwaffen Museum at Gatow.


Tom

 

Videos and Photos of Army Special Ops, Navy SEALs, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard in Action - Shock and Awe - Military.com