Volkswagen Type 82e Staff Car 1:48 Scale Tamiya Model Kit #32531 Review

Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20150213*
Volkswagen Type 82e Staff Car 1:48 Scale Tamiya Model Kit #32531 Review

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

 One of the many vehicles employed by the German army in WWII was the Volkswagen Type 82E. This automobile combined a sedan body with a Kubelwagen chassis for excellent running performance on rough terrain. Entering production just prior to the start of WWII in 1938 and known during the war as the KDF Wagen, the VW came in 3 types: Type 60 civilian sedan, military Type 82E, which featured the Kubelwagen chassis and a sedan body, and military 4WD vehicle Type 87. As many as 546 models of the Type 82E were built between 1941 and 1946. Featuring road clearance 75mm higher than the civilian model, the Type 82E offered improved driving performance. The Volkswagen Type 82E was used as a staff car by many German military and government officials.

For the Modeler: This review covers the Tamiya Kit #32531 in the 1/48 Military Miniature Series (Number 31), released in 2007. This was an all-new molding and original release of this kit and is still readily available. The kit contains around 50 parts molded in Tan and Clear on two sprues. There are 3 decal choices for different usages. The instructions are in multiple languages as is common in Tamiya kits. Paint color callouts reference Tamiya brand paints. For a 1/48 scale you get a well detailed build that constructs in four steps. The moldings all look very good with no flash or troublesome ejector pin marks. The kit also includes a driver figure and like many of the Tamiya 1/48 figures, the detail on the face and hands is weak. To ease construction assemble the model in sub-assemblies and then paint all sub-units before final assembly. Tamiya calls for TS-3 (Dark Yellow) as the main color but I am using a Flat Khaki.  Overall size is: Length: 3”, Width: 1-1/4”, Height: 1-1/4”.

 

Covered in this Review:  If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; preparing parts for better finishing; alternate assembly sequence suggestions for fit and ease of finishing; version considerations; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; test fitting; detailing the interior tub; making realistic tires dashboard detailing; chassis detailing and installation; military/civilian parts differentiation; using “clear” glue for the windows and glass; how to detail paint and position the driver figure; creating the window surrounds with a marking pen; decal handling, preparation and application; using “setting” solutions to enhance the decals; are all fully examined in this 8 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format.

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