Hi Folk. While reading of a lack of reference material in another thread on Japanese softskins, I relised that there is a lack of photos of German softskins.

For example I have yet to see detail photos of under the bonnet of an Opel Blitz or Mercedes L3000. Also how does the bonnet (hood) open on these trucks? What does the firewall look like?

There is probably more chance of one of our European members obtaining these photos for the reference libary as there are probably more survivers of this type of softskin in that part of the world then elsewhere.

Another one to have some detail shots of would be the german Ford opel Maltier. This is another reasonably common vehicle that was used by the german forces.

If anyone can help please do as I am sure a lot of people would be grateful for the details.

thanks
Cliff

Hi Cliff,

I'm afraid there isn't much going around. Kübelwagens is no problem and even motorcycles are a common sight in museums or on shows. But trucks...

In the depots of the Tankmuseum Brussels, we have a chassis of what I think is a Opel Maultier and we also have a Opel Bliz in a sad state. I'll see if I can take some pictures of them this weekend. But don't expect to much of it, a chassis without tracks and a pretty ruined Opel.

Kris

i'll see what I can dig up around here.

I know a few people that restore german trucks mainly opel and horch.

so I will ask if I can come over to make some pics or if they have some digitals.

thanks guys.Kris don't worry if they are a bit sad as to have some photos up of under the bonnet (hood) of a rusty one is better then no pics at all.

Cliff

Cliff,

You forgot "cowling" :-) :-) :-)

(yes,yes I know it's for planes...)

Kris

Hi Cliff,

I've got the pictures of the carriage of whatever it is, but I don't think it is a Maultier. I suspect it to be a Sdkfz251 or its post-war heir OT810.
I'll put the pictures in my gallery later today.

The 'Blitz' after a closer look turned out to be a post-war Magirus, so I didn't take any pictures of it.

Kris

thanks for trying Kris. If you do see something in the future it would also be appreciated.

thanks
Cliff

. Also how does the bonnet (hood) open on these trucks?


I'm sorry I have no foto's but as for the opening of the bonnet. Bonnet opend in 2 parts, with a large hinge running from firewall to radiator on top of bonnet. there was also a hinge (approx) in the middel of both panels, also from back to front were the left or right side bonnet panel could fold to make access to the engine easier. Hope this makes sense.

Cheers
Henk

Here Cliff, here's an example, more in my gallery



Kris

They have one of the best German soft skin and halftrack collections in the world about two hours away from me in Auburn, Indiana. Check out the panaramic views at the website below. If I ever get a day off I will shoot up there and get some pictures for everone. Even have a dragon wagon...

Shaun

http://www.wwiivictory.org/template.php?page=gallery&image=gallerygif