I’m searching for a company that has produced a well bike or any info about these mini fold up bikes. Used by Paratroopers in WW2 . Any info would be appreciated . Thanks in advance.
Ken;
You did not indicate as to which scale you were looking for. I assume it is a 1/35 scale that you’re looking for.
http://www.greenwichgateway.com/hornetandwolf/Hornet/accessories/pages/TH01.htm
Hornet models from the U.K. manufactures a nice little kit of the WELBIKE with the airdrop canister and all. The link above should take you to the photo on the Hornet / Wolf webpage.
For reference reading I suggest this book:
D-DAY PARATROOPERS - The British and Canadians - Jean Bouchery from Histoire & Collections published in France available from AMAZON.com
Remember when you are searching for reference to drop one ‘L’ and close the two words into one WELBIKE and you’ll find plenty of information.
I hope the kit is suitable for your requirement. Anything else you require feel free to email me.
Cheers;
Gregory
I’ve never seen one of these before. Learn something everyday. Great website also.
Matt;
The Second World War had all kinds of different miniaturized or convertable types of transportation. The U.S. Paratroopers had a similar mini-motorcycle to advance on landing on the DZ. The CUSHMAN.
http://www.greenwichgateway.com/hornetandwolf/Hornet/accessories/pages/TH03.htm
and it is also available from Hornet.
The British and Canadian Paratroopers and Commando Units had the BSA Bicycle which was a folding bicycle for transportation and air drop ability.
Interestingly enough the U.S. military is considering or has already purchased a modern version of the BSA Bicycle. Type “Paratrooper Bike” into your search engine or if this link is correct http://www.hammerpilot.com/en-us/dept_87.html
This is apparently the next item to accompany the para’s out the door to the DZ.
Half the fun of modelling is research and learning new things from it.
I guess that’s why my friends say I am their phone-a-friend for Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.
Cheers;
Gregory
i want the new parra mountain bike
Historex do the hornet models too
THANKS Greg. That is just what I’ve been looking for in 1/35 and yes by refering to a welbike may make matters easier and as for the book D-DAY PARATROOPER I will lookit up. Thank Ken
I could not agree more. It’s amazing how much I learn from modeling, [like now]. Thanks for the info and links.[tup]
Captain Caveman;
Regarding your post. I thought HISTOREX “marketed” the HORNET line of products not produced them. The WOLF/HORNET website shows HISTOREX Agents as a distributor. Is this what you meant? Or is there a seperate line of manufacturing?
Cheers;
Gregory
Matt;
You’re welcome for the information. If I see a question on the forum and I know where in the reference library to dig I post the answer. I started a number of years ago compiling a reference collection for my nephew. Well today the reference library has the following
Fine Scale Modeler - Test Issue - Present (All Special Issues too)
Military Modeler (U.S.) - 1974 - 1998 (Complete Series @ 12 issues a year)
Military Modelling (U.K.) - 1971 - Present (Almost complete run)
Scale Modeler (U.S.) - 1966 - 1998 (Almost complete run @ 12 issues a year)
Airfix Modelling Magazine - (Almost the complete series)
Verlinden Way Vol. 1-6 Superdioramas, etc. etc. etc. (Plus the full series of magazines)
IPMS USA - (Almost complete series)
IPMS CANADA Random Thoughts (Almost Complete series)
Sheperd Paine - All books
Kalmbach - Every modelling reference published
Almark - Almost every modelling reference published
Squadron In Action - Too Many to count
Osprey Men at Arms - Too many to count
Osprey Modelling Manuals - Complete Series to date
Military In Scale, Military Modelcraft, Tamiya Modelling Magazine, and so on and so on.
Needless to say what started out as a small venture for one nephew has grown into a well stocked and well rounded collection covering almost every aspect of modelling and all types from armour to aircraft to autos etc. Almost coinciding with the growth of the reference collection was the addition of four more future model builders and a fifth on the way shortly. I hope my niece will pick up on modelling too, although I would have to add an additional wing to cover the additional references for a female interest perspective.
All in all though it is worth every penny I have spent knowing that the books will be used not only by me but by the future modellers in the family as well.
Cheers;
Gregory
gburdon that is a very impressive reference library!
To gburton,congradulations goes out to you for keeping such a collection of reference material. It is quite interesting to how you started and to extent it has grown from one question. As I myself know with the welbike and other models I’ve researched it takes time to get the info in order to build. Maybe you can help us organize a reference library of our own under the reference materials of this web site. Thanks kenclark
you should’ve kept the secret, now I want one!!
to stukabomb88. Now isn’t this what a forum is all about . If I didn’t inquire and gburdon did not respond we would be nowhere further along and if you didn’t look at the site yourself you would not know and want one and if I had kept a secret I,d probley be still looking. Have fun modeling ken
Ken;
I would be more than happy to help with any and all questions. If I have the reference it gets posted. For me it is an extension of my service with the Canadian Army. I was a Supply Technician in the Logistics Branch. I always worked under the principle of “The boys in the field get the best” I hated having items collecting dust on a shelf. So I issued it to the squaddies whenever and where ever it was needed.
The library is quite an extensive. Most of them have come from garage sales, hobby shows, however most have been just acquired through sheer luck. Right Place Right Time and Right Price.
I want to add the complete series of “The War Illustrated” for World War I and II. These are one of my “must have” references. Each volume is a collection of newspaper or weekly chronicles of the war and apparently they are loaded with photos.
Stukabomb - 1. Keep looking on eBay a Welbike may turn up (Get clearance from your wife first) 2. I never could keep a secret when it came to modelling. Sorry.
Cheers
Gregory
To gburdon, I’ll keep on the look out when I go into old book stores etc. and inquire if any issues may be around. I have found many sites concerming the Welbike and also it use to allow paratroopers mobility. Thanks again Ken
Ken;
As written before. No trouble. Thanks to you for your offer of a copy of the article I need on the AUTO ETCH. References were meant to be shared not locked away and never used.
So now we’re even as far as reference finding for one another. lol
Cheers;
Gregory