KIT NUMBER: 35047
MSRP: $44.98
WEBSITE: Bronco Models
AVAILABLE FROM: Stevens International
HISTORY
In 1935, German car manufacturer Opel debuted a new, small family car at the Berlin Motor Show. In honor of the 1936 Olympic Games, which were being held in Berlin, the car was named the Olympia. Manufactured in both a Saloon [coupe] and Cabriolet [convertible], the car featured and all steel unitized body and was powered initially by a 1.3 litre engine. In 1937, the 1.3 litre engine was upgraded to a 1.5 litre overhead valve version. This car became known as the OL38 model. From its initial production until production ceased in 1940, Opel produced over 168,000 Olympias.
KIT
Bronco's new German Light Staff Car, also known as a Stabswagen, represents a 1937 1.3 litre cabriolet version. When you first open the box, you're presented with a variety of different colored sprues. Five black sprues make up the tires. Each tire is made of four individual tread layers. An OD green sprue provides the water/fuel cans, while a light grey sprue gives you an MP40 and mag pouch. The remainder of the kit comes in three tan sprues. The body and two top options are also given, however they are not attached to sprues.
The detail on all parts was crisp and well represented. The MG-34 was especially nice, with hollowed out barrel and slide molded chambed. Options are given for open or closed bi-pods and drum magazine of belt fed. The clear parts were free of flaws and crystal clear. The instructions were straight forward and easy to understand, however I noted they do not tell you what to do with the MG-34 once built.
The painting guide is full color, as are the instructions, and gives options for an overall Panzer Grey, a Panzer grey with Dunklegelb overlay, and a US captured vehicle in OD green. I would note, when doing the US version, double check references. The instructions have you paint the entire car OD green, including the underside. Most captured vehicles kept the German grey on the inside and undersides, and only had OD on the exterior of the body. The decals were very nicely printed, with almost not carrier film visible. The kit also includes a fret of photo-etched brass parts including the Olympia grill logo.
CONCLUSION
Overall, I would have to give this kit a double thumbs up. Although it may be a small model when finished, its certainly an interesting subject. Whether on its own, or in a diorama, this model would make a great addition to any armor collection, as well as any automotive collection. although boxed as a German staff car, one could always model it as a civilian vehicle. I highly recommend this kit, as it is a great kit, and initial test-fitting showed it to be very well engineered. My thanks to Stevens International for the review sample, and Internet Modeler for the opportunity to review it.