1/35 Sd. Kfz. 553 “KaiserKafer” Fist of War Modelcollect #UA35004 Sealed MISB

Description: I must clear some space on my shelves, so I need to part with some of my collection. THIS IS MY LAST ONE! Modelcollect is a relative newcomer to the model world but has established a fabulous reputation for innovation and quality. They initially produced some small scale finished models and later branched out into kits and larger scales. Their niche market has been as the only source for unique subjects related to the Fist Of War games, including many hypothetical subjects that never actually existed. This interesting kit falls into that category. First, let’s break down the title of this kit: German Sd. Kfz. 553 Ausf. Vierfüßler “Kaiserkäfer”. Sd Kfz. stands for Sonderkraftfahrzeug which is German for Special Motor VehicleAusf. Stands for Ausführung which is German for Version Vierfüßler is German for Four-LeggedKaiserkäfer is German for Emperor Beetle Therefore, this is a four-legged motorized armored vehicle with two 75mm guns that crawls around like a beetle over and around obstacles rather than on wheels or tracks. I see that there are over a dozen eBay listings for this kit (mostly from distant overseas sellers), but I have it in stock and as a Top Rated Plus US Seller, I can reliably ship this kit very quickly. Here is what I have learned about this state-of-the-art kit: The Modelcollect website has a page for this kit that shows the impressive box art along with the complete instruction set and painting guide. From other sources, I have found the following information about their kit: The concept of the Fist of War series is based on an alternative timeline in which the end of WWII is delayed by two years, where we explore the possibility of what the hypothetical advancement of weapons development being affected in and since this time period. Furthermore, the premise of this SF-inspired “superior technology” is that the inception of multi-legged artillery originated with the German military and spread throughout the world. This imagination is richly established through this series of models. The mechanical structure and operating system of the E-100 Ausf. six-footers have proven to be superior on the battlefield. Germany had decided to apply the same technology to one-man or two-man smaller vehicles in order to use it for stricter requirements for missions with very high maneuverability for reconnaissance in mountain areas, which could not be carried out in full by the other leg armoured vehicles. The "Kaiserkäfer" was therefore developed as a special vehicle, which has exactly the same shape and functional legs from the applied technology of the E-100 Ausf. six-footer in reduced size. The 7.5 cm Pak with fully automatic loader can be manually directed and fired by the driver, similar to the system based on the one-man fighter aircraft developed by Messerschmitt AG. In this context, the cockpit opens up like an aircraft to ensure better accessibility for maintenance work and a more important and faster evacuation of the crew. · Inherits E-100 Ausf. Sechsfüßler leg technology with fully working joints.· Arms = 7.5cm Pak with vertically working single-axis joint.· 2-men manipulated interior is fully recreated, with extra space for radio operator.· Working cockpit hatch open and close. Scalemates.com shows that this is a brand-new tool from 2018 as part of a flurry of recent variant kits. They show the superb box art and provide links to reviews and project galleries to show some very successful builds. Andreas Eichendorff did a brief First Look Review on the German-language ipmsdeutschland.de site. You get a look at the sprues, decals and painting guide along with three shots of a completed kit. He describes some display options available, such as movable legs and opening cockpit and praised the kit and the manufacturer, saying: “With their new Fist of War product line, Modelcollect scores points in its range. Even if these are not vehicles used, they are very interesting in considering what would have happened if they had existed?”. Mike posted a Review on the britmodeller.com forum with outstanding photos of the box art, sprues, painting guide and Cartograf decals. He runs through the assembly steps and provides valuable insight. He looks forward to his build and said: “It’s a simple model that will be made quickly and relies heavily on how you paint and weather it as to how believable it will seem when finished.” Clayton Ockerby published a two-part Build Review on themodellingnews.com website with awesome photos of the parts and assemblies as he went along. It is a little unfair since he used a few aftermarket parts, but he shows the amazing details and features of this kit. There are close-ups from every angle so you can soak it all in. He had a blast with the kit, saying: “A subject like this can be a really interesting escape from the everyday. There are no rules, no references and no-one can argue with you about the tone of the green you chose not being accurate!” There are at least two Unboxing Videos on YouTube, but the ones I found were in German. Modellbau-Koenig did the shorter of the two at just under 8 minutes. You get a good look at the instructions and painting guide, followed by the sprues and decals. Panzer Modellbau alle Kategorien published a longer one at over 15 minutes. You get to see the instructions and decals, but they spend more time on the plastic parts. Each video may provide invaluable tips and insights, but I do not speak German, so you are on your own to figure it out. This kit is in a large, sturdy box about 13” x 10” x 4”, with a great image of this mythical beast. As you can see from the pictures, the package is pristine and still sealed with tape strips (these were never shrink wrapped from the factory), so I consider it factory sealed and absolutely gift-ready. This item contains one complete injection molded plastic model kit, with light grey plastic parts, Cartograf decals and a very nice instruction booklet. It requires cement and paint to complete as shown. I use eBay Managed Payments, but I no longer ship internationally. Auction winner pays winning bid and for a limited time, this large item is offered with $9 Flat Rate Shipping in the US! No reserve and a low starting bid. Check out my other great auctions and listings for combined shipping. Good luck! Those familiar with my listings can tell that I really enjoy these products and the modeling hobby. I like to provide more than just the bare facts about the items, trying to lead you into discovering more about the subjects and optimizing your builds (if that is your goal). I started out picking up models that I was interested in, with the eye toward building them when I had time. Always a bargain-hunter, I accumulated many more than I can build, so I found myself in a Collector status (sounds nicer than a hoarder). As I am sure you have noticed, my items are almost always sealed and in mint condition (I call them Gift-Ready), since I only open them when I am ready to build them. Now I enjoy making these products available to my fellow modelers; both Builders and Collectors. For the Builders, there are probably better (at least cheaper) ways to add to your project lists than buying from me, but you know you are getting top quality. For Collectors, my goal is to save you a few bucks over the competition for the same item in factory sealed and collectible (or resellable) condition.

Price: 44.99 USD

Location: Bradenton, Florida

End Time: 2024-10-24T13:40:02.000Z

Shipping Cost: 9 USD