1:35 German Tractor with Fieldkitchen HF14

German Tractor with Fieldkitchen HF14 in 1:35 scale, MiniArt 53049

An injection-molded plastic kit in 1:35 scale, the manufacturer's part number 53049, combining a German tractor with the small Hf.14 field kitchen. MiniArt releases both parts separately as well; here they are joined into a single scene. Check the contents of the package, the part count and the schemes on the box.

The real subject

The Kleine Feldküche Hf.14 was a two-wheeled field kitchen that the German army introduced in 1935 as the successor to the Hf.12. It originated as a horse-drawn cart, with at least two horses reckoned on, but during the war units commonly towed it behind a tractor or a truck, because horses were growing scarce. Soup, stews and coffee were cooked in it, and that is exactly why it earned the nickname Gulaschkanone: the tall chimney and the two-wheeled carriage gave it the silhouette of a light gun from a distance. Tractors in German service were used to tow light trailers, to bring up supplies and as stationary power through the power take-off shaft.

Building and painting tips

Finish and paint the running gear and the chassis of the kitchen before they are covered by the superstructure. The boiler and the chimney take weathering well: a dark wash into the folds, light dusting on the underside and metallic highlights on the edges of the lid. A dry brush suits the wooden parts. Cut the small parts off only just before gluing, as MiniArt breaks them down into many pieces.

Who the model is for

• builders of German rear-area equipment in 1:35 scale
• modelers preparing a scene with figures
• collectors who are missing supply elements for a diorama

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.