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Chieftain Models

United Kingdom


Stöwer R180, as delivered
As Delivered













Cost: £18.00.
Stated Scale: 1:56th.
Mixes best with: Several of the ranges out there..., but made in conjunction with Artizan (crews by Artizan)
Long Review: The Stöwer R180 was produced in 1936 as a standard light field car, with about 17500 being built in total by Stöwer Werke, with subsidiary production by Hanomag (called Type 20 B) and BMW (Typ 325). The last vehicles were produced in 1944, and the vehicle was found in all theatres. While it wasn't as well known as the Volkswagen Kübel, the Stöwer was still a common sight amongst German forces. This vehicle was nicknamed the Kübelsitzerwagen due to its' bucket-style seating, and the name was eventually carried over into the whole class. The Stöwer was mechanically very complex and not really suited to harsh off road travel.
This little utility vehicle is (as is the Chieftain style), another all-metal kit of this alternate standard German light car. The parts all fit together extremely well (again, in typical Chieftain standard), the bonnet being almost friction-fit. Again, the craftsmanship is evident in every part, from the body to the smallest detail fitting. The extra bits consist of two rifles, and two crewmen, a driver and a passenger made to fit the seats.
As per usual Chieftain style, there are no instructions included in the kit, nor are there any on the Chieftain Models website. However, as the placement of the bits is obvious, it's not really necessary. Probably the only negative criticism I can level at this kit is my one usual comment- it would have been nice to have the main body in resin as it is fairly heavy in metal, as the axles can't really take much abuse.
Commentary: This is another cracker by Chieftain, part of the rapidly-expanding desert war range.
Historical Accuracy: Four Good. I noticed one or two small errors regarding the shape of the front mudguards, for example.
Scale: Four The Stöwer comes in at 1:57 long and 1:54 wide.
Sculpting: Four Good.
Casting: Five Very Good.
Sources: Several purchased for own collection.
Sculptors: Ian Crouch.
Other reviews for this company: See the reviews:

Assorted additional images of the vehicle:


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