This release will make some very happy. I believe it is the first injection-molded Kfz.305 Opel Blitz Type A 4x4, I may be wrong though. Italeri says it has new molds to include new cab molds, front axle, front fenders, transfer case, and front driveshaft.
We’ll see how it turns out.
I hope its 100% new. Miniart has also announced a 4x4 Opel.
sounds interesting and the italeri kit will have considerably less parts which is a win in my book.
I wonder if it IS the MiniArt kit in a different box for a different market? If not, it will probably be considerably cheaper too…I note it has “PE” in the top right hand corner too…
Well. What do you know, someone has finally heard my plea for a 4x4 Opel in plastic. Very long overdue!
The cab and bonnet would HAVE to be new tooling as the front fenders and cab sit considerably more forward and lower than on the 4x2.
I suspect the MiniArt offering will be the more accurate model. Italeri tends to make more out of site compromises to achieve their goals.
Myself, I built two 4x4s using the Italeri 2x4 as a starting point.
I used the axles and transfer case from the Italeri CWT100 CMP truck. (still a GM product) The Opel differentials were oval rather than round and the wheel track was narrower so I cut a section out of the center of the differential pumpkin and then glued then back together. Voila!
Well, if it looks like a Blitz, smells like a Blitz…
I suspect this isn’t a fully new tool. The use of ‘New Moulds’ implies new parts. Look elsewhere in their lineup, such as their forthcoming SM.79 and that states ‘100% new tool’.
Unfortunately, the seems to be italeri’s business model.
True but I would wager the italeri kit will also be cheaper
Do any of you know if the 4x4 version had any markings to distinguish it from the two wheel drive version other than the load markings on the driver’s side door?
Doesn’t look much different to the old one. Windscreen wipers appear to be separate parts rather than moulded on windscreen. Wheels may have been corrected - not really sure from this view. It would be interesting to see what they’ve done with the tilt, that really was a weak point of the old kit. I presume the cab must be different due to the front drive?
Still got the horrible rubber tyres ?
Looks like there’s a big problem with that hood not fitting.
I see that as half-hearted effort by Italeri to squeeze a bit more from their old moulds (still correct moulds) and will probably sell well, mainly to it being far cheaper than Miniart’s, a lower parts count and easier build. So it will have its public. Even the ones of us still with a good stock of resin wheels, some PE parts or aftermarket bits, may venture into it and get a decent model for minimal investment and some old school work.
That could be the builder was in a rush for the show.
Or maybe it was left loose so the “highly detailed” engine inside could be displayed!
OK guys, all your comments about kit rehash and attempts to reuse old molds. Just take all those comments and throw them in the trash right now. Finneto!
I have a shelf full of The Blitz- all italeri. 3 of them scratch converted into 4x4s.
About the only thing salvageable from the old Italeri Blitz kit to use on the new 4x4 is the cargo box, the rear fenders and some of the smaller detail parts. The cab is very similar to thec4x4 but still requires some modifications.
The 4x4 sits higher and has a dirrerent wheel base. The front fenders met the bonnet side wings more to the rear and much lower than on the 2x4. The entire front bumper area is structurally different than the 2x4.
So to kit bash the 4x4 from the 2x4: you must cut off the front fenders, totally rebuild the bonnet side wings and then move those fenders downward and to the rear. After that you will strengthen the front cowl and fenders by basically scratch building an all new front bumper. Oh and now the new fenders cut slightly into the side doors so modifications there are necessary.
Now you must lower the rear suspension and create all new front suspension mounts that extans lower and more to the rear.
Now as to new parts: you will need to procure new front and rear axles and differentials (they are totall different). The also a new transfer case, transfer case mountings and 3 new driveshafts.
I can assure you the only way italeri can provide that new cab, bonnet, front fenders and bumper would be through ALL NEW TOOLING. The same goes for the frame.
Now 2 things i noticed on the model release photos the gas tank has improved detail meaning new tooling and the 4x4 Blitz now offers a front trailer hitch (used for moving a towed gun into final firing position) again new tooling.
So wheather this is Italeri tooling or a rebox of the new MiniArt kit regardless THIS IS NEW TOOLING and i suspect everone in going to be very happy wi5h the result!
p.s. also the wheel drums on the new 4x4 have the correct lug nut pattern and differ fron the wheels on the 2x4 so again NEW TOOLING
