Italeri 1/48 Opel Tankwagen

[jeaton01]

I realized I had no fuel trucks for my 1/48 German air fleet, so I picked this one up.  As usual with Italeri it is a mixed bag.  Nice moldings but not always clear how or where things fit so there was a lot of test fitting.  I still ended up with the tank fitting too close to the cab and have no idea how that worked out.  Next time I will shorten up the tank in front about 1/16 so there is some clearance.  The tank shouldn't be touching the cab in real life because the frame would twist and contact would be bad.  I think it's going to look good when done.

 

 

  

[keavdog]

Looks like another fun one John. You'll have all the allied and axis airfield photo props covered!

[kyledehart5]

Excellent. Can’t wait to watch this one come together too. That’s a nifty truck.

[moparmadness]

Never seen this one John. Other than the fit issue, looks like a good quality Italeri kit.

[jeaton01]

Put the little bits on and clear coated it. Still wet.

[Leon]

Looking good John!

[handiabled]

Coming together nicely John

[lyle]

You do the neatest projects! And they have a purpose and place in your collection. Most Excellent.

[buddho]

Coming along great...love the paintwork. 🤓

[jeaton01]

Thanks, everyone. It could use a few minor touch ups but nothing serious so I am calling it done for now. I have concluded that the frame a bit short on this one. I understand it was originally issued with a metal frame and there is provision for screws in the plastic parts, including the new plastic frame. If the metal frame was correct then perhaps the plastic part is not the same as the metal was. The places for the screws have a positive fit so there is no way to get the tank or cab in any place but lined up with those screw holes. I clipped off the necessary plastic so I could get the tank on, but you can see that the rear wheels are not exactly centered on the tank body cutouts. I think I will buy another kit, partly because I found a nice aftermarket set that provides for additions like an open cabinet on the front right of the tank where the hose reels are. It will be easy enough to lengthen the frame now that I know what the issue is.

Pictures with the Kubelwagen, some barrels, the figures from the Kubelwagen set, the generator from the accumulator that came with the Kettenkraftrad, and the finished enough for now Bandai Panther G. The tank guys will not be pleased with the clean look but unless it is in a vignette of some kind the weathering would be hard to make universal. There are a bunch of figures from the Bandai kit left to do as well. Someday.

[kyledehart5]

Quick, fast and excellent!! Great job

[moparmadness]

John this is a job well done.

[jeaton01]

Thanks, Kyle and Chad. Another one is here and some aftermarket is on the way so I can build one with the frame issue sorted and an open cabinet where the fueling hose reels are will be here soon.