German 3t 4x2 Cargo Truck w/2cm FlaK 38 - Smart Kit

cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Cookie Sewell

Summary

FirstLook

DML’s boutique affiliate cyber-hobby.cpm has now released a third version of the Opel Blitz 3 ton 4 x 2 with the earlier high sided body and eight-bolt wheels but now also offering the 2 cm FlaK 38 as a mounted option. A total of 118 more parts are now included.

As noted before, the Opel Blitz “S” model was created in 1936 and in 1937 entered full production with a 3.7 liter six-cylinder engine of 75 HP. It was the largest of three models with similar appearances and designs (1, 1.5 and 3 ton capacity) and was built with both 4x2 (from 1936 to 1944) and 4x4 (from 1938 to 1944) configurations. Over 100,000 4x2 variants and 25,000 4x4 variants of the chassis were built with numerous body styles including a tanker and a bus.

This kit comes with both the earlier body and wheels and the later production items. This gives the modeler a wide variety of options if he has the references needed for later models. The 2 cm FlaK 38 is now an old “friend” but this variant comes with the adapter plates and skids for mounting on a cargo floor (Sprue E) as well as the new longer and more accurate barrel for the 2 cm Flak 38 (J10, a separate item but not noted as a replacement for the one on the J sprue marked J1). As a point of fact, the directions ignore it!

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Thumbnail panels:

As before this is a typical DML kit of recent vintage with lots of slide molded parts – and far fewer of them than the armored vehicle kits. The kit includes a nicely done radiator shell with open bars and etched brass Opel Blitz badging. It comes with a complete engine and nicely done hood frame for opening the hood to view the engine. Also the driver’s compartment is complete with all pedals, levers and “stick-on” instruments for the panel (A16). Doors have inside and outside handles and separate clear windows.

The chassis is nicely done but the wheels are two-piece styrene types; they are not bad but seem a bit old-fashioned considering DML’s outstanding molding capability. The kit comes with eight wheels and tires but only uses seven (two singles, duals and a spare). This kit provides extra wheel centers for the eight-bolt wheels as well as some minor details.

The five-plank body has complete underside bracing and mounts but is accurately spartan on troop seats – five transverse planks are it. Top bows for canvas are provided but only in their stowed position at the front of the body. Two tailgates are provided - one with top rails and one without, but if you want a body without them you will have to remove them yourself. But as noted this kit comes with the sides for the earlier seven-plank body and a complete set of stowed top bows, as well as additional latch and striker plate details for the sides and tailgate.

Technical support was provided by Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.

Oddly only ONE finishing option is provided for the model: Regiment (Motoristiert) “Herman Goering”, 1st Panzergruppe, Operation Barbarossa 1941 (WL-112985, overall grey). A “number jungle” is provided for license plates as well as the divisional insignia on a Cartograf sheet. Also masks are provided for the cab windows, always a nice touch.

Overall, this kit offers another variation on the Blitz as well as the corrected 2 cm gun.

Sprue Layout:

A 16 Opel - cab, hood, fenders
A 88 2 cm - complete carriage and shields
B 18 Opel - body
C 49 Opel - chassis, axles, running gear, engine
C 6 2 cm - elevation braces and brackets
D 83 Opel - cab interior, handles, details, lights
E 18x2 Opel - wheels and tires
E 11 2 cm generic truck body mount fastenings
F 7 Opel - clear styrene
G 16 Opel - Early style body panels and details
G 21 Opel - Early style body panel details and top bows
G 11 Opel - eight bolt/eight hole wheels
J 8 2 cm gun and basic components
J 1 2 cm gun with corrected barrel length
N 12 German Generic - 3 x jerry cans
S 1 DS Plastic tarp roll
MA 8x2 Etched brass
MB 2 Preformed etched brass (2 cm)
MC 2 Etched brass (2 cm)

Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.