DML 1/35 German 3t 4x2 Cargo Truck (Early Type Platform) - Smart Kit First Look

By Cookie Sewell

First Look

DML’s boutique affiliate cyber-hobby.cpm has jsut released a second kit of their very nice Opel Blitz 3 ton 4 x 2 with the earlier high sided body and eight-bolt wheels. A total of 48 new parts have been added to the earlier kit.

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 the earlier body and wheels but as noted above the complete earlier kit (cyber-hobby No. 60, DML No. 6670) comes in the box so the modeler has a choice of which parts he wants to use (photographic evidence and GOOD references should prevent goofs in the options which can be used together).

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.

Seven different finishing options are provided for the model: 21st Panzer Division, North Africa 1942 (sand with white markings, WHJ-337048); 10th Panzer Division, North Africa 1942 (sand with white markings, no number); 15th Panzer Division, North Africa 1942 (sand with white markings, no number); 334th Infantry Division, North Africa 1942 (probably wrong unit - sand with white markings, no number); 164th Light Division, North Africa 1942 (sand with white markings, no number); 7th Panzer Division, France 1940 (grey with white crosses, white markings, no number); and Headquarters, 4th Motorized Infantry Regiment, “Grossdeutschland” Operation Barbarossa 1941 (grey with white markings 20 G, no number). 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. But I am curious about pricing; the last kit pre-ordered via Dragon USA Online for $39.95 but the retail price was listed at $100. This is incredibly dear for a model which has two completing kits against it and defies logic.

Thanks to DML for the review sample.

Sprue Layout:

• A 16 Opel - cab, hood, fenders
• B 18 Opel - body
• C 49 Opel - chassis, axles, running gear, engine
• D 83 Opel - cab interior, handles, details, lights
• E 14x2 Opel - wheels and tires
• 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
• N 12 German Generic - 3 x jerry cans
• S 1 DS Plastic tarp roll
• MA 8x2 Etched brass