Tamiya 32506 Schwimmwagen Type 166 1/48 Scale Plastic Model Kit

Tamiya ventured into the modeling business in 1948, with a scale wooden ship model kit. Since then, Tamiya has been striving to offer merchandise that can truly be called 'First in Quality Around the World.' Now Tamiya is offering more than 300 different products, both in the fields of precision static models and high performance radio control vehicles. These products are not only sold in Japan but also exported in vast quantities to the United States, Europe, South East Asia, and to many other parts of the world. The standard of excellence achieved by Tamiya is regarded as among the very finest in the world of model hobbies. This finely detailed plastic model kit requires assembly and painting. Item is brand new and in its original factory packaging. Listing images are stock pictures provided by the manufacturer or the distributor. Designed by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, the amphibious Schwimmwagen was used by the German land forces, paratroopers and engineering corps during WWII, fulfilling both reconnaissance and liaison duties. Capable of both 2 and 4 wheel drive, the Schwimmwagen was widely respected for its ability to maneuver on a variety of difficult terrain. Featuring A high-set exhaust pipe and a rear mounted 25hp air-cooled 4-cylinder 1,130cc engine, the Schwimmwagen could reach top speeds of up to 80km/h on land and 10km/h in water. Propelled in the water by a screw propeller, which was easily raised above the rear engine deck when driven on dry land, steering whilst in the water was done just like on land, using the front wheels as rudders. Mass-produced from 1942, 14,276 type 166 Schwimmwagen were produced by the end of 1944.