Zvezda 1/100 German Truck Opel Blitz
| KIT #: | 6126 |
| PRICE: | $4.95 SRP |
| DECALS: | None supplied |
| REVIEWER: | Scott Van Aken |
| NOTES: |
| HISTORY |
Opel Blitz was the name given to various German light and middle-weight trucks built by Opel between 1930 and 1975.
During the years preceding the Second World War Opel was Germany's largest truck producer. The Blitz name was first applied to an Opel truck in 1930 and by 1934 there were four base versions offered of the 1 tonne model along with fourteen versions of the larger 2/2½ tonne trucks.
From 1939 onwards the 3-ton version was used frequently throughout World War II, among other things as service vehicle for the Messerschmitt Me 323.
A half-tracked version, using tracks and suspension based on that used on the Universal Carrier, was also produced as the Opel Maultier (mule). In Europe this truck was considered General Motors contribution to German successes. It is also argued that Opel, a subsidiary of GM, used forced labor to reap unprecedented profits. However, to what degree GM controlled Opel at the time can be argued, but it is clear that GM did in fact play a role in giving Nazi Germany the Opel Blitz truck.
| THE KIT |
This is another of Zvezda's war gaming kits and since it is a vehicle, it is in 1/100 scale. Like others in this series, it is light on parts. Not only is this good for wargamers who simply want a movement piece, but it makes this line of kits perfect for the youngsters. This is one of the more complex kits with 18 parts making up the vehicle. Still it can be assembled in literally minutes.
Considering their usage, the detailing actually isn't that bad though light on the finer parts. As with others in this series, there is a movement card. As you can see, the kit also includes a flag for either movement or identification.
Instructions are provided and there is some painting information on the back of the box, which basically shows several views of a completed kit. As with many of these items, there are no decals. I should also note that these are snap kits. No need for glue, and while the parts are rather small, it should make an acceptable kit for the youngsters in the house.
| CONCLUSIONS |
This kit is part of a number specially done for Zvezda's 'Art of Tactic' game system. It should make into a very nice and quickly built model in its own right and is really perfect for new modelers thanks to its snap construction.
| REFERENCES |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opel_Blitz
September 2011 Thanks towww.dragonmodelsusa.com for the preview kit. Get yours at your local retailer. If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.