1:35 Opel Blitz Road Wheels Early (Gelande Pattern)

Wheels for the Opel Blitz 1:35, early off-road pattern, from PANZER ART

A set of resin wheels for a model of the German Opel Blitz truck in 1:35 scale, in the version with an early off-road tread pattern. Cast wheels are popular in this group of accessories for two reasons: the tread pattern on them is sharp and legible right down to the bottom of the grooves, which injection-molded plastic cannot manage because of the mold split, and the tire tends to be cast with a flat spot, so the vehicle on a diorama does not stand on tiptoe. It is not a vehicle kit but a replacement for parts.

The real subject

The Opel Blitz was the most widespread German truck of the Second World War, built in the tonnage class of around three tons and deployed on every front, from supply to ambulance and workshop bodies. The vehicles received tires of various patterns according to the maker and the period: alongside road treads, coarser off-road patterns also appeared, which gripped better in mud and on broken roads. The tread pattern is therefore one of the details that can place a model in a particular time and setting.

Building and painting tips

First wash the parts in lukewarm soapy water so that mold release residue disappears from the surface, or the paint will not hold. Cut off the casting blocks with a saw and level the mark they leave, and do the sanding with respiratory protection. Resin is glued with super glue, that is, cyanoacrylate. Do not paint the tire pure black, as aged rubber is rather dark gray, and bring out the dust with a dry brush or with pigment in the grooves of the tread.

Who the set is for

• builders of Opel Blitz models in 1:35 scale
• modelers bothered by the soft tread pattern on plastic wheels
• builders of dioramas where the vehicle stands in mud or dust
• more advanced builders used to working with resin

The set is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.