Italeri Kfz. 305 Opel Blitz Typ A 4X4

Welcome to this First Look review of the 1:35 scale Kfz. 305 Opel Blitz Typ A 4x4 from Italeri. It is no secret that many scale modelers are initially drawn to a kit by its box art, and the artwork for this release is outstanding. Italeri highlights several features on the box including all-new molds, rubber tires, and decals for four different marking options. Interestingly, the lower right corner of the box notes that a figure is not included, although two figures can be found on one of the sprues. Before taking a closer look at the contents of the box, let’s begin with a brief history of the Opel Blitz Typ A 4x4.

The Sd.Kfz. 305 Opel Blitz Typ A 4x4 was one of Germany’s most important military trucks of the Second World War and represented an attempt to give the Wehrmacht a more capable all-wheel-drive transport vehicle for difficult terrain and poor weather conditions. While the standard rear-wheel-drive Opel Blitz became the backbone of German military logistics, the Typ A 4x4 variant was specifically designed to improve cross-country mobility for frontline operations.

The Opel Blitz itself was introduced in the mid-1930s by Opel and quickly became the standard 3-ton truck of the German Army. The name “Blitz,” meaning “lightning,” had already been associated with Opel since the 1930s and became synonymous with the company’s military truck production during the war. The Typ A (“Allrad”) version entered production around 1940 and featured a four-wheel-drive system, larger off-road tires, and a higher ride height compared to the more common rear-wheel-drive Typ S (“Standard”) model.

Powered by a 3.6-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine producing approximately 75 horsepower, the Kfz. 305 Typ A was capable of hauling troops, supplies, ammunition, and towing light artillery pieces across muddy roads and rough terrain where conventional trucks struggled. Although slower and heavier than the standard Opel Blitz, its improved mobility made it valuable on the Eastern Front, in North Africa, and in other regions where poor roads and extreme weather often crippled German logistics. Believe it or not the Typ A 4x4 has a shorter wheelbase compared to some standard Blitz variants.

Now let's get to the kit. I for one am excited for this new 4X4 version of this truck in plastic. If I'm not mistaken the only other 4X4 Opel Blitz is the Azimut Ironside kit from the year 2000. Inside the box we find the usual collection of sprues (5 in total, 4 yellow plastic and 1 clear) inside sealed plastic bags, seven rubber tires, decals, and directions.

The directions are made from glossy paper put together to make an 12 page book consisting of 19 steps to assemble the kit. The last two pages contain the painting and decal instructions of the four different versions with color illustrations. The assembly illustrations are clear and simple making this a great entry level kit. The quality of the parts and easy assembly should be a recipe for a successful experience for a new scale modeler.

Cover (page 1)

 Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

Page 5

Page 6

Page 7

Page 8

Page 9

page 10

Page 11

Page 12 (back cover)

Correction for Step 8

The parts are clean and crisp. Clean up appears to be minimal and detail is well done. The only seam lines that will need attention is on the drive shafts and leaf springs. Ejector pin marks all appear to be hidden except for one on each of the inside of the cab doors, however the doors cannot be assembled in the open position. The cab interior detail is done well but will have to be viewed through the windows unless the doors are separated from the front lower portion of the cab.    

Sprue A

Sprue B

Sprue C

Sprue D

Spue E

Tires

Decals

Conclusion

I am impressed with this kit and excited to get started on it. It looks to be a great choice for an entry level scale modeler and also work equally as well for an experienced modeller looking for a strong foundation 4X4 Opel Blitz model kit. The assembly process should go smooth & quick and highly satisfying. Thank you for the opportunity to review this kit.     

Highly Recommended for Beginner to Advanced builders, pending Full Build.

Thanks goes out to Model Rectifier Corporation for this review kit.

Reviewed by Russ Clark

Minuteman Amps 

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