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Book Review
Opel Blitz Wehrmacht Special
Wehrmacht Special No.4015 Opel Blitz 3-Tonner “The Most Famous Truck of the Wehrmact and its Variants
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by: Andy Renshaw [ SKYHAWK ]

introduction

Of all the support vehicles one thinks of concerning Germany in World War Two, the Opel Blitz 3 ton truck most certainly comes to mind. Originally a design for the civilian market, the Wehrmact only took it into service after realizing that specialized military designs were costly and impossible to secure large production. The Opel Blitz was found to be quite suitable to military use, and soldiered on until the end of the war.

the book

Tankograd Publishing has been known for its series of photo journals covering a wide variety of topics. This series, the Wehrmacht Special, covers vehicles from the German military using mostly never seen photos from personal collections. Indeed many of the photos seen in this volume are candid and, in addition to showing the vehicle, also shows the soldiers in a more casual appearance than what one would see in official Wehrmact photos. Both full English and German text are included for the captions and historical text.

Opening the book there is seven pages of information and general history including production numbers and stats. Past that the remaining 57 pages are nothing but photos, two per page. The book is broken down into sections, which are:
  • First Model—Troop Carrier
  • Second Model --- Cargo
  • Third Model--- Simplified Cargo Bay
  • Late Variants
  • Series Production Box type Bodies
  • Specialized Bodies
  • Impressed Civilian Vehicles
  • All Wheel Drive
  • Busses
  • War Booty (single picture of captured Blitz in Russian service)
All of the photos are very clear, and of high quality in black and white. The captions are equally informative, usually giving units and historical information relating to the photos subject. I was personally impressed by the variety of different types and modifications covered in the photos. Everything from the standard cargo bed, to field kitchens, maintenance cranes, busses, fuel tankers, and even a single example of a flak truck with armored cab.

conclusion

If you plan on building an Opel Blitz kit, whether the old Itaeri kit or new Tamiya kit, along with your pile of aftermarket items this book should also be nearby. I have already spotted several photos I would like to reproduce in a model. With this book, no matter how many Blitz’s I build in my modeling lifetime, I will always be able to find some unique variations to model making for an interesting collection. Thanks to Tankograd, gone are the days of the simple German field grey truck with oil drums and boxes. Highly recommended to anybody with an Opel Blitz in the kit stash, and for those who want a good excuse to get one!
SUMMARY
Highs: Great reference with many never seen before photos of all types of variants and settings.
Lows: No interior or detail shots. Best for overall reference and not for detailing.
Verdict: Must have reference for anybody interested in the Opel Blitz and seeing it in its natural environment.
Percentage Rating
90%
  Scale: Other
  Mfg. ID: 4015
  Suggested Retail: 14.95 euros
  Related Link: Item on Tankograd website
  PUBLISHED: Oct 07, 2010
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 91.16%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.19%

Our Thanks to Tankograd Publishing!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Andy Renshaw (skyhawk)
FROM: FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

I started modeling around 8 years old when my dad bought me a Monogram 1/48 A-7. We built that together, and after that he turned me loose. Along with armor and figures, I also enjoy building aircraft and trains (model railroading), and tend to cycle between the genres. Recently married, I have...

Copyright ©2021 text by Andy Renshaw [ SKYHAWK ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

I think I'm going to have to check this book out more thoroughly, I already see some interesting build and diorama projects
OCT 06, 2010 - 04:02 PM
   
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