WW2 small motor bike

**Miles Linnabery** · #1 09-23-2014, 08:01 AM

Dear Friends:
Don found a image viewer and in one picture there is a D Day scene below and in the center is a small motor bike being carried to the beach. Through the years I have seen Harly Davidisons Military Bicycles but nothing like this small thing what is it and it would make a neat model.
Thanks,
Miles

**looker** · #2 09-23-2014, 09:06 AM

it's a Welbike

**JohnM** · #3 09-23-2014, 09:23 AM

Correct - it's a Welbike - They were designed to fold up and dropped in a container for use by parachutists.

After the war it was further developed for civilian use and called a 'Corgi'. I had one of these when I was at school. I chopped the handle bars and seat, fitted leg shields either side, and used it as a kneeler. Not on road though, as I didn't have a licence.

They didn't sell too well, so few were built. Both types are quite rare nowadays and command premium prices. I tried to buy one a few years back, but I wasn't willing to pay £4,000 for a basket case Welbike, let alone the £10,000 asked for a running Corgi.

Johnny.

**JohnM** · #4 09-23-2014, 10:35 AM

There's a few plastic models around if you feed welbike into Google Images.

Here's one on Amazon ... Amazon.com: Dragon Models 1/35 Red Devils with Welbike and Drop Tube Container, Arnhem 1944 (4 Figures Set with Bike) - Premium Edition: Toys & Games

Can't find any paper ones though. (I WANT one!)

Keep on snippin' ... Johnny.

**looker** · #5 09-23-2014, 10:50 AM

John
There really is no need to confirm my posts as correct, I've previously taken the trouble to explained that I don't make guesses, I only state facts. And as for posting links to splastic kits ... that's ... that's ... that's ... disgusting ....

**whulsey** · #6 09-23-2014, 01:06 PM

Ouch!!

Anyway, Johnny thanks for the info on the plastic one. That thing would be tiny in 1/35. Would like to see a 25th in any medium.

**looker** · #7 09-23-2014, 01:29 PM

Please don't be upset.
The first part was meant to be ridiculous at my expense - how could I ever make a valid claim like that. The second part was just meant to be funny at the expense of plastic.

**JohnM** · #8 09-23-2014, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by looker

John
There really is no need to confirm my posts as correct, I've previously taken the trouble to explained that I don't make guesses, I only state facts. And as for posting links to splastic kits ... that's ... that's ... that's ... disgusting ....

No offence taken mate. Just enlarging on the subject ... 'cos I used to have one. Wouldn't mind one to play with now, but not at those prices.

Whulsey ... there's plenty of pictures on Google. Should be enough info for someone to design a paper one, but I doubt there'll be enough interest. For me, I'd prefer a model of the Corgi rather than the Welbike.

Johnny

**Gixergs** · #9 09-23-2014, 04:47 PM

My granddad left a Welbike/Corgi in the cellar when I was a kid. I always thought it was a military Welbike my brother thinks it was a Corgi either way at those prices I wish we had brought the damn thing with us when we moved. The" cough cough" model is small but very nicely done.

**Major56** · #10 09-23-2014, 05:59 PM

Now, that looks like something right up Mr Pilsworth's street. Hint,hint