A little German truck
This is Tamiya’s 1/35 German 3 ton 4×2 cargo truck, otherwise known as an Opel Blitz, but I think Tamiya weren’t allowed to use that name for various reasons.The truck was originally built in 1931, and mass production followed in 1935. It had a simple rear wheel drive chassis with a 68hp, 3,626cc 6 cylinder engine and a 5 speed gearbox which gave it a respectable performance both on and off road. It made an ideal choice for military use, and production of an army version began in 1937. They were used on all fronts throughout WWII to transport troops and supplies. The factory was destroyed by allied bombers in 1944 by which time over 78,000 examples had been built.
Tamiya have released this kit in a number of versions, this is the open version, and she has a small load of jerry cans and barrels. As usual with Tamiya, the kit was a pleasure to build, and I finished her with German grey, and mainly used dark earth for weathering. There is a driver and mate in the cab, but they are difficult to see! Thanks for looking, George.
6 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on December 15, 2014
Nice little build, George….I like it.
George Williams said on December 16, 2014
Cheers, Craig, sometimes a little is enough.
Bernd Müller said on December 16, 2014
Great little Opel, George. Not too weather beaten with a good load.
Fine work, well done.
From Italeri is also the “Maultier” available, a Opel Blitz as a halftrck.
George Williams said on December 16, 2014
Thanks, Bernd, a half track truck, that would be interesting.
Bernd Müller said on December 17, 2014
Maybe Tamiya or Italeri will do it in 1/48. In 1/35 there is a Maultier from Italery out, as well the armed “Panzerwerfer” ( no, they don t throw tanks 🙂 )
And as Steve said, there trucks were used until long after the war
California Steve said on December 16, 2014
Oh I like this George. Could you imagine how many miles these trucks traveled in all of the war campaigns, it must have been thousands and thousands. Even after the wars. These trucks just kept running in civilian use.
Very nice model.
California Steve
George Williams said on December 16, 2014
Thanks, Steve, glad you enjoyed it.
Gregor d said on December 16, 2014
Great job George. I like the windscreen dirt and wiper trail. Nice.
George Williams said on December 16, 2014
Kind words, Gregor, it’s shame you can’t see the driver and his mate.
Milan D. said on December 16, 2014
Nice story and great build, thanks for sharing!
George Williams said on December 16, 2014
Thanks for looking, Milan.
Rob Pollock said on December 16, 2014
Great looking model, George. Now just need a diorama to feature it in!
George Williams said on December 16, 2014
One day, maybe, Rob, thanks for your comments.
Richard Mcstay said on December 16, 2014
Cool mate, it looks real! I love the weathering on the windows!
George Williams said on December 16, 2014
Cheers, Richard, I’m still looking forward to seeing your Challenger.
Richard Mcstay said on December 17, 2014
I reckon it will be ready sometime between Xmas and new year! I hope so anyway, I’m struggling to find the time at the minute.
AL HOFFMAN said on December 16, 2014
Little change of pace for you George. Excellent workmanship. I’m this kit has about 1/3 the parts as the ICM German Ford truck I’m building. ICM likes to use at least 3 parts where one will do.
Did your cargo load come with the kit? Trying to come up with a load is one of the things slowing me down.
Once again, well done.
George Williams said on December 16, 2014
Thanks for looking, Al. I think most of the load came with the truck, and I made it up with some spares. Tamiya do a German jerry can set, ref 35315, which also has some other useful looking bits in it.
bob mack said on December 16, 2014
good looking truck george
George Williams said on December 16, 2014
Thanks, Bob, it’s strange how something so ordinary can be good looking.
Mike Maynard said on December 16, 2014
Very nice build, just enough weathering.
George Williams said on December 16, 2014
Glad you liked it, Mike, it makes a change from racing cars.
Simon Whitney said on December 17, 2014
Hey George, your talents are great.
Nicely done truck mate.
Well done mate.