Two Kettenrads

Ed Storey · #1 17-05-17, 02:40

The are only two SWW German SdKfz 2 Kettenkraftrads in Canada and surprisingly both reside in Ottawa, but that is where the similarity ends. One is unrestored and on public display in a national museum where it is potentially viewed each year by tens of thousands of people.

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The other is owned by a private collector, it does not get viewed by tens of thousands of people, but it has been restored with the utmost attention to detail.

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Opposite ends of the spectrum with very different ideas when it comes to preserving historical artefacts.

James P · #2 17-05-17, 03:07

And after putting in a couple hours fault chasing its up and running again.

chris vickery · #3 17-05-17, 03:41

Always thought these to be the ultimate cool German MV. Not sure it wanted to be a motorcycle or a light tank so get the best of both. Not sure what they were thinking when they devised these but awesome nonetheless

Robert Bergeron · #4 17-05-17, 04:44

I saw the one at the Museum 100 times . What was their purpose anyway ? Thanks .

chris vickery · #5 17-05-17, 05:08

Robert, initially these were designed to be a light gun tractor for smaller artillery.
Most use including hauling light trailers of supplies, men and equipment. Especially used on the Eastern Front.
I believe they also used these in the Luftwaffe as aircraft tugs

Hanno Spoelstra · #6 17-05-17, 17:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris vickery

Not sure it wanted to be a motorcycle or a light tank so get the best of both. Not sure what they were thinking when they devised these but awesome nonetheless

Chris, it is neither a motorcycle nor a tank - it is, like you said, a light tracked tractor. It uses a motorcycle front end to make minor steering corrections, and uses controlled differential steering for change of direction. Like all German half-track vehicles.

Ed, thanks for posting this dilemma: put a vehicle on display and never use it to prevent it from braking down? Or use it like it was designed for with the associated wear & tear. Or even the occasional crash & burn.... The jury is still out on this question and will never solve it, so in the meantime it is good to have both ends of the spectrum!

Hanno

Wayne Hingley · #7 17-05-17, 17:36

Its actually a multi-dimensional spectrum; as among other things, there are those who store these things to rust away, unseen, unrestored and not for sale. There are also the ones that end up in scrap because someone doesn't know or care about the historic value.

Personally; Im ok with either of the first two examples mentioned by Ed.

maple_leaf_eh · #8 17-05-17, 19:18

So to add to the multi-dimensional aspect, how about sellers who believe their junk is priceless and refuse to face reality. I can think of a roadside seller who had a couple of Canadian M151A2 hulks. His starting price was high four-figures or low five-figures and unwilling to budge - so I've been told. Running and roadworthy examples of those vehicles at the time were selling for well below that price range. Either he thought he had a monopoly, or was reluctant to think less of his treasures.

Barry Churcher · #9 28-05-17, 15:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

The jury is still out on this question and will never solve it, so in the meantime it is good to have both ends of the spectrum!

Hanno

I got a chance to look at the Kettenkrad yesterday and it is truly a nice restoration. It sat loud and proud on it's patch of grass to the delight of fans and looked impressive. Meanwhile the museum vehicles were roaring around in the mud to the delight of the fans. I enjoyed both and I appreciated both for what they were. Lots of people crap on the museums but they certainly have their place. I know first hand that if it wasn't for the generosity of some of these museums vehicles like Bruce Parker's immaculate FOX wouldn't be on the road. The same applies to my C15TA.
Cheers,
Barry