wehrmacht

In the early fall of 2002, a few buddies and I journeyed to far off Connecticut, USA (a whole 2 hours away) to take part in and enjoy the annual International Plastic Modelers Society model show and competion. Yes, I'm a geek on so many levels!

Anyway, while I was inside taking hundreds of photos of all the models, my good old pal, Ron, came inside to inform me of the Kubelwagen parked outside. The Kubelwagen was impressive but I was quite taken with the reenactors who arrived in it. I lucked out in that these fellas were very patient and allowed me to pester them with my trusty Nikon. While I was sure to get thier names, enough time passed so that my terrible organizational skills caused me to lose both names and contact info. If either of these two gentlemen see this page, please contact me.

Some excellent shots here detailing the Splinter pattern smock, pistol holster, canteen and cup, map case, etc. No detail is overlooked by these guys. This gentleman was explaining that the drinking cup were worn down from soldiers scooping up small pebbles and sand to aid in cleaning out food and such. As a result, the finish wore off quickly. The map case is exquisite. The small pouch within held a distance reading device. It showed the distance on a map when scrolled across from one point to another. German engineering... always brilliant!

The beautiful stitching on the shoulder board shows the Grossduetchland emblem. The breadbag and gas mask container are only a few of the items on board the kubelwagen. Stowage includes flare gun, eyeglass case, stripper clips for a Kar98.. just to name a few. Note the wooden floorboards in the kubel - it must be some job keeping this vehicle running and looking as good as it does!

I grinned from ear to ear as I watched these two gear up for my camera. I believe the camouflage smocks were made from zeltbahn material but I'm not 100% on that. It's interesting to note the slight color differences in the smocks. Seems like the base color is more grey at left whereas the fellow on the right has the more green/mustard based colored variant. Not sure which I like more! The splinter pattern (Splittermuster) saw service even after the war and influenced uniforms in other countries such as Sweden and Bulgaria even to this day. These are 2 wonderful examples.

These photos above make splendid reference for the military figure modeller and collector alike. One can see from these pics why the field grey (feldgrau) uniform was very useful. These pants clearly show how well the color would adapt to many environments. I wonder what the comfort factor was on these... probably not too bad in the colder months.

At left is the Opsrey 'Men-at-Arms' book, "German Combat Equipments 1939-45" Highly recommended reference. Ron Volstad illustrations and very thorough research from Gordon Rottman. Great book for the collector or figure modeller.

Great close-up of some of the items included in the belt order. At left, one of the 3 cel Kar98 ammo pouch is seen. Next is the flashlight (torch). Smart design considering it can be attached to the uniform as seen here; onto the pocket button.

Not sure but the binoculars look original.

This is also a pretty cool close up of the camo pattern. The "rain streaks" are clearly visible. Also of interest is the fine overprinting (trapping) between colors. A detail sometimes overlooked and difficult to represent in illustrations or scale models.

The buttons are aluminum and in a light field grey color.

How cool are those stick grenades?!?! Probably reproduction but super-cool nonetheless. They are tucked into the belt rather realistically. These were sometimes stuffed into the side of a jackboot.

Another close up. This photo details the entrenching tool very well. Several models were made and this one looks like it's in great shape.

The gas mask canister (tubular-shaped container) is seen here strapped across the chest in standard fashion with the canister resting on the breadbag (which can barely be seen).

The bayonet was probably used from everything to an eating utensil to a prybar. Something no soldier could do without.

Great comparison of the camo smock and feldgrau trousers.

The two photos on the left show the map/distance reading device. The first one shows how it would be rolled across the map to read distance. On the right I was shown how the gear would be attached to the soldiers back. Still amazed at how patient these gentlemen were and how much research they put into the gear.

More photos of the ruck and it's contents... these fellas have EVERYTHING a reenactor would need for a perfect Heer impression. Here they showed how the soldier needed to properly pack his personal effects. Also more cool shots of the stick grenades.

What have we here? Wow - more gear from his pack! Food tins, tobbacco, small personal cooker and fuel tabs. The cooker could be unfolded and the fuel tablets would burn underneath a mess tin or cup. Did I mention these guys have everything?!?!

This is a simple rifle cleaning kit. Somehow, I managed to place a photo of the dog tag (Identity tag) in the middle here. Woops! Anyway, the dog tag is pretty unique. If the soldier met with the very worst fate, one half of this would be snapped off for records and the other would be left with the body. Grim.

Some nice final shots. Here the cleaning "rod" is a chain type that could have swabs attached and be dropped down the barrel. The rest of the small cleaing tin contained bore cleaner and oiler. Both original, i'm sure. Should have gotten a better photo of that kick ass canteen. At least you can see the strap details. The logo on the fender is a simple German helmet - the symbol of the Grossduetchland Division. The canvas covers over the headlams were to limit light at night and eliminate glare. I particularly like the jerry can mount on the fender. Great use of (limited) space.

The Kubelwagen was used on all fronts from North Africa to Russia. It was Germany's "Peoples Car" but the military made the most use of it. It was converted into everything from ambulance, field mess, MG carrier, communications vehicle... you name it.

Wish I had one parked in my driveway!

Here is a photo of my buddie Ron. Ron just happened to be wearing a post war BGS Sumfmuster (swamp pattern) Jacket. This is also a decendant of yet another Heer camouflage pattern and this photo is a wonderful comparison of the two.

I want to thank these gentlemen once again for all thier time and patience. Again, if anyone has any information on these guys, please contact me using the link below.