Wednesday, June 5

Preview: Six more releases for Italeri in June...

On top of their F-35B we looked at the other day, we have six kits from Italeri in June - We look at the artwork, sprues, parts & decal/marking choices in our preview...

Preview: Six more releases for Italeri in June...

MERCEDES-BENZ SK EUROCAB 6x4
From Italeri
No #3924 
1/24th scale
Model Dim. 24,6 cm
The Mercedes-Benz SK (Schwere Klasse) was produced by the renowned German automotive company from the late 1980s to the early 1990s. Available in various configurations, including the esteemed 6x4 chassis, which was enhanced by the introduction of the "Eurocab" cabin, featuring innovative and functional design elements. This cabin was characterized by a raised roof, improving onboard amenities, visibility, and driving comfort.

The decals supplied in this kit
The marking choice in this kit
Initially introduced on the 500 HP engine version, the new cabin was progressively extended to the rest of the lineup. Despite its increased height, fuel consumption costs were mitigated through meticulous aerodynamic research. It found extensive use in numerous commercial and industrial applications, enjoying significant commercial success.

Tyres and etch in the kit
The plastic parts of the kit


Sd. Kfz. 234/3
From Italeri
No #6756
1/35th scale
Model Dim. 17,1 cm
The armored cars of the Schwerer Panzerspähwagen Sd.Kfz. 234 series were produced by the German war industry in the final phase of the Second World War. They were characterized by a high level of construction quality that combined mobility, operational flexibility, and offensive capability. The design represented an excellent blend of speed on all types of terrain, protection, and firepower, synthesizing the operational experience that the Wehrmacht had gathered in the early years of the Second World War. 

The decals supplied in this kit
The marking choices in this kit
They could achieve a maximum road speed of 85 km/h. Among the various versions produced, the Sd.Kfz. 234/3 was armed with the short-barreled 75mm KwK37 cannon mounted in a fixed position in an open-topped fighting compartment, which could be effectively used to support infantry against lightly protected targets as well as against light armored vehicles.

The plastic parts of the kit


Junkers Ju-52/3m
From Italeri
No #0102
1/72nd scale
Model Dim. 
- New decals edition for 3 versions 
- Colour instruction sheet 
- Contains 6 figures
The Junkers Ju-52/3m was produced by the renowned German aviation company from the early 1930s for civilian use with Lufthansa and other major commercial airlines. It was characterized by its three-engine configuration and distinctive corrugated metal fuselage panels. A robust and reliable aircraft, it was quickly adopted for military purposes by the Luftwaffe, primarily as a transport aircraft.

The decals supplied in this kit
The marking choices in this kit
The Ju-52, affectionately nicknamed "Tante Ju" (Auntie Ju), was used on all operational fronts throughout the duration of the war and served as the backbone of German military logistics in supplying ground troops. It was also employed for airborne troop missions, notably for paratrooper drops in the Netherlands in 1940 and in Crete in 1941.

The plastic parts of the kit
Contains 6 figures


Biber Midget Submarine
From Italeri
No #
1/35th scale
Model Dim. 18,6 cm
The "Biber" was the most well-known "pocket" submarine used by the Kriegsmarine during the latter part of World War II. The development of the Biber was extremely rapid. Design began in February 1944, and the first units were launched just 6 months later. Measuring just 9 meters long, it had a range of 240 km. It could reach a maximum speed of 6.5 knots surfaced and 5.3 knots submerged. The Biber could be armed with two 530 mm torpedoes, mounted externally to the submarine, or with two mines. Its crew consisted of only one person.

The decals supplied in this kit
The marking choices in this kit
The purpose of the Biber within the strategy of the Kriegsmarine was quite simple: to provide a concrete defense along the coasts to protect against a possible, and increasingly likely, Allied invasion. From 1944 until the end of World War II, the Kriegsmarine received and deployed over 300 Bibers.

The plastic parts of the kit
Etch & masks for the kit


Italian Tanks & Semoventi
From Italeri
No #25768
1/56th scale
Model Dim. 
- Kit contains 1 model 
- 103 parts for 4 alternative models: m13/40, m14/41, m40, m41 
 - Highly detailed kit 
- 2 figures 
- Super decals for 4 versions
The production of Italian tanks during the Second World War focused on the "M" series. The M-13/40 was the most famous and widely used tank of the Royal Army. Equipped with a 47mm cannon, it was notable for its unique track and suspension structure and for the protective "bolted" armor. 

The decals supplied in this kit
The marking choices in this kit
On its chassis, the self-propelled gun M-40 was also developed. Armed with a 75mm howitzer mounted in a casemate, it was greatly feared by enemy armored vehicles. The best results were achieved through the combined use of M-13/40 tanks accompanied by self-propelled guns, which compensated for the tank's limited firepower. Throughout the war, both tanks and self-propelled guns saw improvements in technical solutions and armament.

The plastic parts of the kit


Char B1 Bis
From Italeri
No #25766
1/24th scale
The "Char de Bataille" B1 was the main battle tank used by the French army during the Second World War. The original design was conceived in the mid-1920s (many technical solutions adopted, such as the large exposed tracks, are indeed typical of that period), but it began to be deployed to units only in the mid-1930s. Sturdy and massive, it was improved in its "Bis" version to enhance performance and operational capability.

The decals supplied in this kit
The marking choices in this kit
It was armed with a 47mm turret cannon and a 75mm howitzer installed in a casemate at the front of the tank. Although it was generally a good tank for the period, the Char B1 Bis was employed to support infantry divisions rather than in autonomous armored groups that would have provided greater operational flexibility against German Panzer divisions during the 1940 Campaign in France.

The plastic parts of the kit

These should be in shops this month. From more on Italeri's kits check out their website...