Tamiya 35384 - 1:35 German KS600 Motorcycle & Sidecar

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the German KS600 motorcycle and sidecar

The Zündapp KS600 was one of the more powerful motorcycles in German service — a boxer engine of about 600 cc producing 28 hp, shaft drive and a sturdy frame that let it pull a sidecar without losing performance. Tamiya 35384 reproduces the combination from tooling created in 2024.

Despite its small size the model captures the characteristic details of the machine: engine, frame, sidecar and fittings. The three figures — the rider, an NCO seated in the sidecar and a standing soldier — mean the kit can be built as a small scene straight away or used to enrich a larger diorama.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the motorcycle and sidecar
• Three figures: rider, NCO in the sidecar and a standing soldier
• Decal sheet: Heer and Luftwaffe markings plus a speedometer dial
• Two painting schemes (early and late war)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Product number: 35384
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model length: approx. 71 mm
• Skill level: beginner (modest parts count)

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. This kit is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

This is a quick and rewarding build — a small parts count and the excellent fit typical of Tamiya mean the model can be finished over a few evenings. The fine motorcycle parts and the figures need the most attention. Items such as the engine and the spoked wheels are easier to paint before final assembly.

For painting we suggest the colours typical of German vehicles — dark Panzergrau (e.g. Tamiya XF-63 German Grey) for the early-war scheme and Dunkelgelb (Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow) for the late-war one; Tamiya paint codes are given in the instructions. Applying the speedometer decal over a gloss coat helps avoid silvering, and a matt varnish makes a suitable final finish. A wash brings out the engine and frame detail, while pigments reproduce dust on the tyres.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes (useful for the figures)
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust effects

About the vehicle – Zündapp KS600:

The Zündapp KS600 appeared in the late 1930s as a heavy road motorcycle and was quickly taken into military service. It was powered by a twin-cylinder boxer engine of about 600 cc producing 28 hp, with drive taken to the rear wheel by shaft — more durable and less vulnerable to mud than a chain.

With the sidecar attached it could reach around 96 km/h, and a 15-litre tank gave a range of about 300 km. Production ran from 1938 to 1941, after which it gave way to designs tailored directly to military requirements.

The KS600 with sidecar was used mainly for liaison, reconnaissance and escort duties. Motorcycle combinations were an important element of German mobility at the time — fast, agile and able to carry three men with their equipment.

Original vehicle specifications (Zündapp KS600):

• Engine: twin-cylinder boxer, approx. 600 cc, 28 hp
• Transmission: shaft drive
• Top speed: up to approx. 96 km/h with sidecar
• Fuel tank: 15 l
• Range: approx. 300 km
• Production: 1938–1941

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The business began in timber and wooden models, and in 1960 it released its first injection-moulded plastic kit. Two years later came the 1:35 tank that established the scale as a worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for precise moulds and outstanding parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, runs to hundreds of releases and is one of the most comprehensive catalogues of 1:35 military vehicles anywhere. Alongside kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. Today the company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.