Thursday, October 3

Preview: Italeri's six (or seven?) releases of October...

If you count the Veltro we looked at a few days ago, Italeri has seven releases slated for October. We have the sprues, art, colours & decals in our preview...

Preview: Italeri's six (or seven?) releases of October...

OPEL BLITZ FIRE TRUCK
From Italeri
No #3966
1/24th scale
Model Dim. 25,5 cm
The Opel Blitz project was set up with the aim of mass producing a robust and reliable commercial vehicle that could be used for different applications and tasks. Opel began production of the early trucks, based on a typically US “layout”, in its Rüsselsheim plant in the early 1930s. This was a success story that evolved over time and continued until the mid-1970s. The Opel Blitz’s sturdy structural characteristics were noted by the Wehrmacht and subsequently deployed by them during the Second World War, in both the 4x2 and 4x4 versions. 

The decals supplied in this kit
The marking choice in this kit
However, its wartime role was later to be eclipsed by its the great commercial success as a civilian vehicle. During the post-war reconstruction period the Opel Blitz was indispensable to Germany’s recovery, being used by merchants, craftsmen, industrialists and many others to rebuild the country. Numerous outfitted versions were also made, including the fire-fighting one.

The plastic parts of the kit


LVT-4 Water Buffalo (ETO)
From Italeri
No #6752
1/35th scale
Model Dim. 22,8 cm
- New Decals For 5 Versions
The L.V.T. tracked vehicles (an acronym for Landing Vehicle Tracked) were developed to equip the United States armed forces, including the Army and the Marine Corps, with a suitable vehicle for amphibious operations capable of providing a good level of protection. Often known as "Amtrac," they were widely used in the Pacific theatre against Japanese forces, as well as in the European theatre during the last year of the war. 

The decals supplied in this kit
The 5 marking choices in this kit
The LVT-4, in particular, represented a significant improvement over previous versions. With the redesign, the engine was relocated to a central position, freeing up the rear of the vehicle for the addition of a ramp that allowed for the rapid loading and unloading of light vehicles or small-calibre artillery pieces to support landing troops. It was the most successful version with the highest number of vehicles produced.

The plastic parts, vinyl tracks & photo-etch in the kit.


Pz. kpfw. VI Tiger I Ausf. E
From Italeri
No #25755
1/56th scale
50 Parts
Hull coated with Zimmerit finish
Figure included
Model Dim. 14,2 cm
The Panzerkampfwagen VI  Tiger I is undoubtedly one of the most famous tanks of World War II. It was developed to provide the armoured divisions of the Wehrmacht with a heavily armoured and heavily armed tank to complement the more common medium tanks, Panzer III and Panzer IV, which were no longer effectively countering enemy tanks. 

The decals supplied in this kit
The 2 marking choices in this kit
Its primary armament consisted of the renowned and lethal long-barrelled 88mm KwK 36 L/56 anti-tank gun. Installed in the turret and protected by a heavy 120mm shielding, it could penetrate the armour of any contemporary enemy vehicle even at long distances. Deployed on all major theatres of operation, it played an active role in German military operations in Normandy and the Western Front. Despite facing issues of reliability and deployment, the heavy tank, when operated by skilled crews, was always greatly feared by the Allied forces.

The plastic parts of the kit


Reggiane Re.2002 Ariete
From Italeri
No # 1472
1/72nd scale
Decals For 4 Versions
Model Dim. 11,3 cm
The Reggiane Re 2002 "Ariete" was developed to provide the Regia Aeronautica with a more modern and effective ground attack aircraft. Based on the airframe of the Reggiane Re 2000 fighter, the aircraft was equipped with a higher-performance engine than its predecessor and featured enhanced armament. In addition to the two machine guns mounted in the nose, two more machine guns were added in the wings, and the aircraft was capable of carrying an offensive bomb load of up to 500 kg. 

The decals supplied in this kit
The marking choices in this kit
The flight units equipped with the Re 2002 were deployed by the Regia Aeronautica to counter the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943 and, following Italy's armistice in September of the same year, were also used by the German Luftwaffe.

The plastic parts of the kit


JS2 STALIN
From Italeri
No #25764
1/56th scale
77 parts
Figure included
Decals For 5 Versions
In February 1943, to replace the now outdated KV tanks, the first prototype models of heavy tanks intended to equip the armoured units of the Red Army were produced. The most notable of the tanks developed to counter the new and heavily armoured German vehicles, such as the Tiger and the Panther, was the Joseph Stalin JS-2. Armed with the powerful 122 mm cannon installed in a centrally mounted turret, it was characterized by a cast steel hull, heavy armour, and the adoption of a 12-cylinder diesel engine with over 600 HP. 

The decals supplied in this kit
The marking choices in this kit
The overall weight of the tank was 46 tons. It was employed in the battles that led to the recapture of Ukraine, operational activities in Hungary, and, in the final phase of the conflict, during the Battle of Berlin. It was one of the most powerful tanks used by the Soviet Union during World War

The plastic parts of the kit


Pz. Kpfw. V PANTHER Ausf. A Sd. Kfz. 171
From Italeri
No #7018
1/72nd scale
Model Dim. 12,3 cm
The Panzerkampfwagen V “Panther” is widely recognised as one of the best tanks that was produced during World War 2. It was deployed as a direct response to the Soviet T-34 and KV-1 tanks on the Eastern Front, which were superior to  both the Panzer III and Panzer IV in terms of performance and armaments. 

The decals supplied in this kit
The marking choices in this kit
Powered by a 700 horsepower V-12 Maybach engine, it was armed with the 75 mm KwK 42 high speed gun which was a very effective anti-tank weapon.  The Panther was designed with optimal armour protection, including inclined front armour. Its overall mobility, speed and armaments made the Panther one of the leading tanks of the period, and ensured its deployment on all of the main operational fronts, from the East through Italy and France.

The plastic parts of the kit


Macchi M.C. 205 Macchi M.C. 205 Veltro
From Italeri
No #2519
1/32nd scale
Photo-etch & 3-D printed decals included
Eight (8!) marking choices in the box
The sister aircraft of the Macchi M.C. 202 “Folgore”, the new MC.205 Veltro will be Italeri's latest release in 32nd scale, arriving in October. The Macchi M.C. 205 "Veltro" in 1/32nd scale (kit no. 2519) will be released in the first week of October. The differences from the Folgore kit are reproduced by adding new parts. The nose reproduces the R.A. 1050RC.58 Tifone (license-built versions of the DB605) engine, from its auxiliary equipment to the engine support frame. The cockpit, machine guns, and even the landing gear and landing gear bays are modelled realistically, and photo-etched parts are included to give a sharp finish. The cockpit meters are 3D decals, and large decals are included for the unique camouflage pattern. The rudders and tail ailerons are movable, and the flaps can be assembled opened or closed. The kit is pretty feature packed, and we have all of the details of what come sin the box before release.

The sprues of the kit. There five grey plastic sprues. Upper and lower wings and posable flying surfaces..
Either side of the fuselage with open engine and removable cowling option
The R.A. 1050RC.58 Tifone (license-built versions of the DB605) engine, wheels and propellers on this sprue...
More parts of the powerplant, gear doors and tail surfaces - again posable, are included on this sprue.
Clear parts for the cockpit.
A detailed cockpit with those 3-D printed decals, with waterslide alternatives are included
National markings deal sheet...
Camouflage rings for those who aren't confident to apply them themselves...
The photo-etched parts included in the box.
The eight (yes 8!) colour profiles included in this kit.
The kit made up by Italeri's modeller Simon Antelmi. A very nice representation of the real thing.



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