ROC HOBBY KOMMANDEURWAGEN 1/12TH SCALER RTR

Dr. Ferdinand Porsche: A Legacy in Design

Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, the legendary engineer behind the Porsche brand, left a lasting impact on automotive design. Beyond creating the iconic Beetle, he also developed the Lohner-Porsche hybrid (the world’s first car with hub-mounted electric motors), the Type 82 Kübelwagen, the Type 166 Schwimmwagen, and even military innovations like the Elephant heavy tank destroyer.

One of his most famous civilian designs, the KdF-Wagen (commonly known as the Beetle), was initially intended to be a "people’s car." However, during WWII, production shifted entirely to the military. Many KdF-Wagens were converted into field vehicles—most notably the Kübelwagen. If you’re lucky enough to have one in your RC collection, you already know its significance. If not, the Type 82E Kommandeurwagen is an excellent entry point for realistic WWII-scale RC vehicles.

Type 82E vs. Type 87: Know the Difference

While they may look similar at first glance, the Type 87 Kommandeurwagen and Type 82E differ in key ways:

Type 87 (Kommandeurwagen): A 4WD officer’s car with a Beetle body on a Type 86 chassis. It had wider fenders, larger off-road tires, and front footrests.

Type 82E: A 2WD version using the Type 82 Kübelwagen chassis under a Beetle body, typically issued to senior officers.

Both vehicles featured Porsche’s air-cooled boxer engine, making them ideal for harsh environments, from the cold Russian front to the deserts of North Africa. Our RC model is based on the North African version, used by Rommel's troops.

The Engine: Authentic and Functional

At the heart of the real car—and our model—is the iconic air-cooled boxer engine. This engine design, with horizontally opposed cylinders, became a hallmark of both the Beetle and early Porsche 356s.

Our model replicates the original engine's operation:

Twin 130 motors (one per cylinder bank)

Belt-driven fan connected to the crankshaft

Realistic airflow ducting through a semi-circular fan shroud

Functioning fan blades visible during operation

The engine evolution went from an early 985cc to 1131cc and beyond, ultimately powering the Porsche 356 with a 1488cc version. The same spirit of performance lives on in this scaled-down replica.

Transmission and Drivetrain: True to the Original

The real Kübelwagen had a 4-speed gearbox with speeds up to 83.6 km/h in 4th gear. In our RC model:

A 2-speed simulated gearbox mimics the 1st and 3rd gears.

The drivetrain transitions from rear-mounted differential back to the rear axle.

A selectable 4WD and RWD mode provides off-road versatility.

The model mimics the rear portal axle design for increased ground clearance and better crawling ability.

Chassis and Suspension: Rugged and Realistic

The original vehicle featured a central ridge tube chassis, allowing for hidden driveshafts and wiring. Our model mirrors this:

Fully modeled central tunnel structure

High-strength plastic with metal-stamped texture

Torsion-spring independent suspension front and rear

Easy-to-replace suspension components

We kept the scale accurate while ensuring real off-road capability.

Wheels, Tires & Details: Down to the Last Bolt

5.25 x 16 off-road tires, just like the original

5-lug wheels, with functional spare under the hood

Battery compartment cleverly placed where the real car's fuel tank would be

Fully openable doors with spring locks that click shut with a satisfying “kata”

Soft rubber seats, scaled perfectly for 1:12 figures

Servo-operated steering wheel turns in sync with front wheels

Roof & Rear Cabin Access

Real Kommandeurwagens lacked rear doors, limiting escape options in emergencies. Instead, a foldable cloth canopy on top provided an exit. Our model includes:

A removable plastic roof with cloth-like texture

Space for 1:12 figures when the roof is removed

Electronics & Control System

4-channel 2.4GHz digital proportional transmitter

Channel 1: Steering

Channel 2: Throttle

Channel 3: Gearshift

Channel 4: 4WD/RWD toggle

Full lighting system with working headlights, brake lights, turn signals

Night-use anti-aircraft lights

Servo-controlled details for added realism

Packaging & Presentation

We went all-in on realism—even the packaging is inspired by WWII-era German ammunition boxes, made from eco-friendly foam. Durable, reusable, and collector-worthy.

Features

Fully independent 4-wheel suspension

Rear portal axles for high clearance

Planetary differentials front and rear

Detailed air-cooled engine with 130 motor

Belt-driven fan system

2-speed gear simulation via 3rd channel

4WD/RWD switch on 4th channel

Servo-linked steering wheel and tires

Realistic soft seats and interior

Working doors with locking mechanism

Functional hood and engine compartments

WWII desert yellow paint with pad-printed markings

Metal drivetrain and ball bearings for durability

What’s in the Box

1/12 Type 82E Kommandeurwagen RTR

2.4GHz Radio Transmitter

Installed 2-in-1 ESC/Receiver

Installed 130 Brushed Motor

Installed 9g Digital Servo x3

7.4V 380mAh Battery

USB Charger

Hex Wrench Socket

User Manual

Technical Specs

Vehicle Size: 339 x 139 x 139mm (635g)

Radio Size: 118 x 73 x 145mm (131g)

Wheelbase: 202mm

Ground Clearance: 28mm

Max Speed: 8 km/h

Remote Range: 60m

Runtime: ~20 minutes

Tire Size: Ø58mm x 12mm

Approach Angle: 31°

Departure Angle: 26°

You’ll Need

AAA batteries for the transmitter