Tamiya 35238 - 1/35 Kubelwagen Type 82 Africa Corps - Desert Ops Model Kit  [35238]

Kubelwagen Type 82: North African Service Overview

The German Kubelwagen Type 82, designed by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, evolved from a civilian light vehicle into an essential wartime transport during World War II. Its lightweight monocoque construction and torsion bar suspension made it agile over rough ground, while the air-cooled four-cylinder engine offered simple maintenance for field crews operating in harsh climates.

Desert modifications and wartime role

To improve performance on sand, many examples were fitted with Continental balloon tyres and issued with desert survival gear including a spare wheel, shovel and canvas canopy. Those adaptations increased cross-country mobility and on-site serviceability. Production totaled about 51,000 units by the end of the conflict, reflecting its practical value.

Modeling Appeal and Display Value

The Tamiya 1/35 scale kit replicates these desert features in tan-moulded plastic and includes detailed parts such as towing hooks, a front bonnet section and a rear panel. The set also supplies wide-tread balloon tyres, a painted German soldier figure, waterslide decals and clear pictorial instructions, making it a rewarding build for hobbyists and collectors.