; a little query.............................The LWS - Landwasserschlepper.
It was orderd by the Heereswaffenamt in 1935 for the use by the sappers of the German army, the Landwasserschlepper (LWS) was conceived as a light river tug, with some ability to operate inland. Designed to assist in the river crossings and bridge-building operations, it was designed by Rheinmetall-Borsig in Düsseldorf from 1936 onwards. The hull was similar to that of a motor boat with twin rear-mounted propellers, tunneled and twin rudders. On land, it moved on a steel-shod caterpiller with four bogies per side.
The Landwasserschlepper was shown to General Franz Halder on August 2, 1940 by the Staff of Reinhardt Trials on the island of Sylt, and although he was critical of high silhouette, recognized the general utility of the design. It was intended to build enough so that each invasion barge would have assigned one or two of these vehicles, but mass production difficulties prevented the execution of this plan.
In the autumn of 1940 three prototypes had been completed (a four on Dec 1940) and were assigned to Pz Abt 100 as part of Operation Sealion. The intention was to use them to pull the assault barges without engine to the shore during the invasion and towing others vehicles across the beaches. They would also be used to deliver supplies directly on the ground within the six hours of falling tide when the barges were stranded. It was planned that would tow also an amphibious trailer (capable of carrying 10 to 20 tons of cargo) behind the LWS.
Due to the lengthy development, the Landwasserschlepper not entered regular service until 1942 and, although it proved to be useful in Russia and North Africa, only were produced in small numbers (How many?).
Sources: Pre Order Built HOBBY BOSS 1/35 German LWS Land-Wasser Schlepper Mid Prod.
http://snafu-solomon.blogspot.com.ar/20 ... ailer.html
At any time the vehicle was manned by personnel of the Kriegsmarine? Cheers. Raúl M
.Feliz Año Nuevo - Happy New Year - feliz Ano Novo - gluckliches Neues Jahr - Bonne Année - Felice Anno Nuovo - Szczęśliwego nowego roku!!
. A little more I've found overthere.............................