Gear Krieg is much more than just cool walkers and superscience tanks.
Today I want to introduce the Küchenschabe (cockroach) robotic demolition units!
Debuting with the assault on the Maginot Line, Robotic Demolition units proved an ideal tool for destroying heavy fortifications safely. Attached to assaulting Pioneer units as specialized auxiliaries, they proved so effective that further development and reorganization was ordered by O.K.H.
German Küchenschabe Team; MG turret by DP9, Spider legs by GZG, Infantry by Peter Pig
Expanded into fully independent formations by 1941, they were used extensively in the opening phase of operation Barbarossa. These engagements saw the first deployment of a new vehicle sized remote drone designated the “Borgward”. About the size of a small car, this tracked vehicle carried a 500kg demolition charge, and was remotely controlled from a modified Pz II tank by either wire or radio control.
German Borgward/ Goliath Team; Infantry and Maus by Peter Pig
As the conflict continued, further development of both the Kuechenschabe (cockroach) and Borgward was undertaken. This development led to vast improvements in the design, with the 1943 Kuechenschabe being far more sophisticated than the primitive machines used against the Maginot line. It was modified to carry a bewildering array of weapons into battle, from chemical sprayers to flamethrowers and machine guns.
German Küchenschabe Team; MG turret by DP9, Spider legs by GZG, Infantry and Maus by Peter Pig
The Borgward was modified to carry larger weapon systems, such as anti-tank lasers and rocket systems. Additionally, the sensor and control systems were vastly improved, allowing the vehicles to be utilized at night, negotiate broken terrain and even right themselves after a fall.
German Küchenschabe Team; Controller by Westwind, Spider legs and body by GZG, Mad Scientist by Artizan
The models are from GZGs 15mm SF line, while the controller is a Zombie Controller from Westwinds SotR range.
More on my website:
http://www.adpublishing.de/html/ww2.html and
http://www.adpublishing.de/html/gear_krieg_axis.html