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Armor/AFV: Softskins
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Any Opel Blitz 4x4 in 1:35 out there?
Frenchy
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Posted: Sunday, May 29, 2016 - 01:37 AM UTC
Could be a searchlight truck "a la GMC"



H.P.
165thspc
#521
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Posted: Sunday, May 29, 2016 - 01:41 AM UTC

"Over the Shoulder" pass through differential on axle #2.





Overlapping standard leaf springs with intermediate rocker arm equalizers between axles #2 & 3.
(Intermediate driveshaft between the front and rear differentials not yet installed in this photo.)
165thspc
#521
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Posted: Sunday, May 29, 2016 - 01:53 AM UTC
H.P. - I honestly did consider trying to build that early COE searchlight crew cab truck as one of my GMC conversions but just did not think I could handle that curvy front portion of the cab.

And yes, this 4x6 Blitz would look very good with the 60 cm searchlight mounted in the back, wouldn't it?

p.s. Speaking of your many suggestions; thanks again for giving me the idea for mounting the spare tire on my White semi-tractor. I think that improved the overall look of the tractor immensely!
165thspc
#521
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Posted: Sunday, May 29, 2016 - 05:00 AM UTC
Well you know how one idea leads to another.

I have had the AFV 60 cm searchlight in my stash for some time and have also had a scratch built German generator trailer waiting in the wings for some future use. I thought it was waiting for a radio truck or radio bus but I guess it was waiting for a searchlight truck.



165thspc
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Posted: Sunday, May 29, 2016 - 04:33 PM UTC
The Opel Blitz Allrad (4x4):







All photos from the book "Opel at War". Photos shown here for discussion purposes only.
165thspc
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Posted: Tuesday, May 31, 2016 - 07:07 AM UTC
Sizing up the Blitz load box for carrying the 60 cm searchlight.

Remember that the sides of the load box also fold down. So with some added supports these sides can become an extended floor/deck.



11Bravo_C2
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Posted: Tuesday, May 31, 2016 - 09:00 AM UTC
Thanks for the pictures Mike. Im still waiting on my book and new wheel set. Does the "Opel at War" book have any images with the tarp over the bed?
165thspc
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Posted: Tuesday, May 31, 2016 - 04:44 PM UTC
Of the Opel trucks shown probably a third have their canvas tops deployed.

Ivan did you order replacement wheels from Plus Models or order wheels from one of the other after market providers?

I can certainly recommend the other offerings out there!
165thspc
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Posted: Tuesday, May 31, 2016 - 05:38 PM UTC
I know it is probably a little late to be pointing this out but . . .

You will want to make sure you order the eight lug wheels for the 4x4 rather than the early style six lug wheels.
11Bravo_C2
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Posted: Tuesday, May 31, 2016 - 09:11 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Of the Opel trucks shown probably a third have their canvas tops deployed.

Ivan did you order replacement wheels from Plus Models or order wheels from one of the other after market providers?

I can certainly recommend the other offerings out there!




Thanks Mike. BTW I ordered new wheels from LeadWarrior.
165thspc
#521
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Posted: Wednesday, June 01, 2016 - 09:43 PM UTC
It has been my experience that Lead Warrior's casting quality is first rate!
11Bravo_C2
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Posted: Thursday, June 02, 2016 - 07:19 PM UTC
Mike,

I contacted PlusModels regarding the issues encountered with their kit and they are shipping me a new, "freshly casted", one.
165thspc
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Posted: Monday, June 13, 2016 - 07:24 AM UTC
Been working a bit on my home grown Blitz 4x4 ambulance conversion which I would like to share here:





165thspc
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Posted: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 - 10:52 PM UTC
Ivan, anything to share yet on your 4x4 Opel Blitz? I am very interested in your thoughts about that conversion kit.

Mike
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