Academy 1/72 German Fuel Truck & Schwimmwagen By Chris Banyai-Riepl

Overview

Academy has been releasing some very interesting 'accessory' vehicle sets lately, and this is the latest rendition. Although marketed as a Ground Vehicle Set, implying an accessory to an aircraft, these could easily stand on their own, and undoubtedly many modelers will do just that. As the title says, this kit comes with two models (or three, if you count the bomb cart), and all are nicely done. The parts are cast in a tan plastic, with crisp detail throughout.

The Truck

The truck, I believe, is an Opel, and looks to be a straightforward build. The chassis is molded as one piece, and on this fits quite a bit of detail. There is the beginnings of a detailed engine, with a separate radiator and fan belt arrangement. This is probably adequate to the scale and construction, as the hood is closed and this will only be visible from the underneath. Onto this chassis also fits the leaf springs for the front and rear axles, and the drivetrain is nicely detailed. The rear axle has four wheels to it, while the front has the usual two, and are steered straight.

Moving onto the cab, this is a complex assembly made up of six main pieces, with the interior netting an additional five, not counting the four clear parts. The doors are molded closed on this cab, which is a pity, as while the interior is simplistic, it does a good job of replicating the original. Moving back a bit, the fuel tank is a simple construction, made up of an upper and a lower half, with separate front and rear faces. There are doors on the sides and rear that can be positioned either opened or closed. The finished assembly fits onto the chassis, and a few extra details such as a shovel and headlights finish off this vehicle.

The Schwimmwagen

The Schwimmwagen is a bit simpler in construction than the fuel truck, but that does not mean it is less detailed. This features a two-piece body/hull, split horizontally. On the underside, the front axle and rear axles are separate, with the front axle also having a cover piece fitting over it. Switching to the interior, this is a tub insert with four separate seats. The gear shift and hand brake handle are also separate, as is the steering wheel. All of these assemblies fit into the lower hull, with the upper hull neatly trapping everything in place.

Final details on the Schwimmwagen include two options of the propeller (deployed or stowed). Also present are oars and a shovel for the side, the canvas roof (in a stowed position), a spare tire, and headlights. In addition to the Schwimmwagen and the fuel truck, this kit comes with a simple bomb cart made up of three main pieces, plus a two-piece bomb cradle. There are also several fuel cans, in two different styles.

Conclusion

Academy's vehicle sets are really a breath of fresh air. The detail is exquisite, and the construction simple without reducing quality. Whether built as standalone models, or as part of a diorama, these kits are well worth having. My thanks to MRC for the review sample.

This just in: scheduled for August release, Academy will be coming out with a German Cargo Truck in 1/72. The photo here shows the completed models and one can clearly see two styles of cabs. Stay tuned for more information when we get it!