EUGENE ZIEGLER - THE KITCHEN MASTER

These models were built in Germany by Eugene Ziegler, who worked nightly on the machines in his kitchen, often with his wife's help, using technical drawings to create accurate 1:4.5 scale models, entirely from scratch. They are prominently housed in the Deutsches Zweirad Museum (Neckarsulm); the large glass case is the first display one sees on entering the museum.

I previously posted a story about a Velocette model, but I must say these little gems are truly something special. The wheels turn, the suspension works, the petrol tank caps come off, and when you squeeze the brake levers, the brakes function via tiny bowden cables. Amazing.

Many of the complicated parts like engines were cast using wooden patterns, and the tires were modified from 'o' rings, the tread being applied using hot knitting needles!

The top machine is a DKW 3-cylinder 500cc two-stroke racer, the 'Singing Saw', which was the pinnacle of DKW's racing development. The brakes and suspension components are mesmerizing in their complexity, in real life and on the model.

Ziegler also built these two BMW RS54 Rennsports; one with a sidecar, and one solo - the scale can be seen clearly in this photo. They weigh about 5-8lbs each, and have a nice solid heft - the only plastic used is on the tiny pvc pipe cable housing, the windscreens, ignition wires, and seat covers.


This Works DKW 350 looks like it should hold water in the radiator, and the engine just needs a bit of oil smear and the smell of Castrol R to complete the picture. No, they don't run!


The final photo shows the curator of the museum, Peter Kuhn, who clearly enjoys his job! He is holding a Standard 500cc racer, which is a little-known German marque outside the continent; note the Harley-Davidson/Brough 'Castle' forks; I confess guilt to having once owned a Standard with a lowly 350cc ioe MAG engine, purchased solely to rob it of it's Castle forks! (They are reunited now - a happy ending).

Peter, Wolfgang, and I had a great time manipulating these little bikes, and a few of the big ones too. More on this excellent museum later.