introduction

Plus Model, based in the Czech Republic, have released a 1/35th scale Engine Detail set for the Tamiya Opel Blitz (Tamiya # 291 - German 3-ton 4x2 Cargo Truck).

Contents

The kit arrived in a small 3.5 x 4.25 x 1.5-inch thin cardboard box. Inside the box, the materials of the kit are protected by a bubble-bag. The resin parts are in their own plastic bag and the photo etch fret is sealed in another bag, and protectively backed by a piece of cardboard. There are 34 parts cast in gray resin, 26 PE parts, one piece of heavy brass wire for the radiator supports and hood/bonnet braces, and one piece of thin lead wire for the plug wires.

The Kit Parts

The resin is crisply cast showing very nice, sharp details. These parts, with the exception of two, are for the engine and the detail items for the engine compartment firewall. Each part is clearly identified by number on the casting blocks. Flash and seam lines are minimal so clean-up will be straightforward. Two very fine parts (#38 hood/bonnet latches) in my sample were broken but will be an easy fix with some thin wire (and something I've become accustomed too when working with resin kits and conversions - regardless of company). The use of a razor saw will be the best way to remove the parts from the casting blocks.

There are two resin pieces that, in my opinion, will greatly save time and frustration while forming the hood/bonnet halves - forms for the PE! These forms, both a left and right hand side, are designed to aid in giving these halves a proper bend. I'm inclined to believe that a little additional "tweaking" will be necessary, but there will be considerably less hassle during this step.

The PE parts are well defined with exceptionally small attachment points. These parts make up the hood/bonnet, braces, latches, fan, fan belt(!), part of the firewall, et cetera.

The instruction sheet is broken down into nine steps. Each step clearly covers a process in the build/conversion. The only surgery needed on the donor kit will be to remove a portion of the frame from Tamiya's part #C1 in step 1. The instructions are quite clear where each part goes, give or take a little wiggle room. Step 9 covers the forming of the hood/bonnet halves and also has the builder form the louvers. Care and support of each half will be needed while doing this.

Conclusion

Plus Model has done an excellent job of creating a well detailed engine compartment for the Opel Blitz. Modeler's desiring to "open up" the hood will now have something nice to show under there.