DML KUBELWAGEN AXLE REPAIR
Dragon's Kubelwagen is one of the most detailed vehicles ever produced for 1/6th scale figures, but it has a trade off for all the detail - it is a little more fragile. Of all the vehicles Reasonable Collectibles received in their first shipment, this one behind me was the most damaged.
Dragon's wheel and tire assembly is fairly heavy, and if the vehicle is dropped hard enough produces enough kinetic energy to shear off the front axles. The left front axle was sheared off on this vehicle, and the right headlamp and front tow hook connector bar were broken off as well. Additionally, the lower cross over bar supporting the dash and the steering column was broken loose on the driver's side, the steering column had a stress fracture in one of the spokes, and the Notek black out light was broken loose. It had obviously been dropped pretty hard while in shipment - although the box was hardly damaged at all.
The hardest part to fix of course is the broken axle, however Dragon's design lends itself to an excellent fix - one much stronger than the original axle. A 3/16th inch bar will fit exactly into the hollow back side of the axle! You could use plastic or metal - obviously I selected metal, and look how well it fits!
To fix your front axles with new 3/16th inch ones, you'll need a 13/64th drill bit like this one here. It is just large enough to allow a perfect fit for your new 3/16th inch axle.
You'll need to drill your 13/64th inch holes through the axle center support - note you will need to drill through 2 levels per hole - they are about 1/4 inch apart, so don't stop when your drill bit first goes through - go on down to drill through the second section. Also note, if the axles are not sheared off on one side, you'll need a very long drill bit or will have to break that side off as well to get the holes lined up right.
Your 3/16th inch axle supports (you'll need two, one for the upper and one for the lower) should not be over 5 3/8 inches long. Here is a picture of the Kubelwagen with the holes drilled and the new axle supports in place.
You'll need a very good glue (I used Zap a Gap super glue) to glue the sheered off plastic axle sections on to your 3/16th inch axle supports. Here they are shown in position - ready to be glued. You may even want to use JB Weld.
A finishing touch. I didn't like the shinny silver metal steering linkage. I thought it distracted from the great degree of realism already built into the vehicle, so I painted it flat black before putting it back together. Don't forget to paint the back side of the axles - your new supports - as well while they are easy to get to.
If you use good glue, and let it set properly, you'll end up with a very durable repair. It is a little tricky putting the end of the steering column (gear) in the toothed portion of the steering linkage because there is very little room to work. The top, smooth part of the linkage should slip over the top of the gear - it keeps the gear engaged to the toothed portion of the steering linkage.
So, if you've had a little over zealous work out during the holidays, your Kubelwagen can be up and running in no time. All you need is a 13/64th drill bit, two 5 and 3/8 inch long 3/16 diameter axle supports and some super glue. Stronger than OEM!
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