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Armor/AFV: Axis - WWII
Armor and ground forces of the Axis forces during World War II.
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Questions about the German Kettenrad
Wolf-Leader
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New Hampshire, United States
Joined: June 06, 2002
KitMaker: 1,225 posts
Armorama: 520 posts
Posted: Monday, February 09, 2015 - 10:56 PM UTC
I'm in the process of detailing my German Kettenrad from Dragon.
So with this in mind I would like to know what is the engine that was used in the Kettenrads?
I heard that the Germans used Opel Blitz motors in them, is this correct?
If so what is the designation for that particular type of engine? Meaning, is there a name for the Opel's engines.
Thank you.
Biggles2
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Quebec, Canada
Joined: January 01, 2004
KitMaker: 7,600 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 - 12:02 AM UTC
The Kettenkrad had/has an Opel water cooled 4 cylinder engine of 1478/1500 cc. inline engine. The engine is, apparently,from a pre-war Opal auto. More specs here:
http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/ttt07/kettenkrad.html
panzerbob01
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Louisiana, United States
Joined: March 06, 2010
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Posted: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 - 12:03 AM UTC
Jody;

Hi!

It's actually the "kleines kettenkraftrad", or "kettenkrad", for short. The Sd.Kfz. 2.

Kettenkrad used the small Opel in-line 4-cyl engine used in the Opel "Olympia" car (Opel Olympia mod. 38). This little water-cooled engine was rated somewhere between about 28 bhp and 36 bhp.

PS: the Opel Blitz truck used a much-larger engine - first production (up to 1937) used a 68 bhp Buick in-line 6-cyl, 1938-on used the yet larger (and more modern design) 75 bhp Opel straight-six as also used in the Opel "Admiral" saloon-car. This latter engine was essentially the GM straight-six as seen under Chevy hoods of the period. Who ever said that the Germans had to do all of their wartime vehicle design and production on their own?

Cheers!

Bob
smydi01
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Scotland, United Kingdom
Joined: October 14, 2009
KitMaker: 219 posts
Armorama: 197 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 - 12:06 AM UTC
Hi
From what I can see. It was a watercooled four cylinder in line engine with an output of 36 bhp (26kW) Olympia 38. Hope this helps good luck.
165thspc
#521
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Kentucky, United States
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 - 01:12 AM UTC
Here is the link to the Actung Panzer! website and the page covering the Sd Kfz 2 including some engine photos:

http://www.achtungpanzer.com/kleines-kettenkraftrad-sdkfz2.htm

FAUST
#130
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Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Joined: June 07, 2002
KitMaker: 8,797 posts
Armorama: 4,190 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 - 01:20 AM UTC
As the other have said already it is a 4 liter watercooled engine from the Opel Olympia series.

Looking forward to your efforts with the Kettenkrad. It is a vehicle I really like and I have built several.
This is my latest documented effort. Still not finished. But not very long to go either. Maybe it is of some help to you.
Kettenkrad Superdetail project.
165thspc
#521
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Kentucky, United States
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 - 01:30 AM UTC
Biggles2
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Quebec, Canada
Joined: January 01, 2004
KitMaker: 7,600 posts
Armorama: 6,110 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 - 03:15 AM UTC
Yup! Lots of stuff all over the web!
Removed by original poster on 02/11/15 - 05:54:47 (GMT).
FAUST
#130
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Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Joined: June 07, 2002
KitMaker: 8,797 posts
Armorama: 4,190 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 - 12:32 PM UTC
hehehe yeah... You should be able to find plenty
Kettenkrad Walkaround
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