October 28, 2026

Preview: 1/35th scale Sd.Kfz.3a Maultier. Mid Prod from MiniArt.

We add colour profiles, decals, PE, sprues & the real trucks to our profile of the 1/35th scale Sd.Kfz.3a Maultier, "Mid Prod," from MiniArt.


Preview: 1/35th scale Sd.Kfz.3a Maultier. Mid Prod from MiniArt.

Sd.Kfz.3a Maultier. Mid Prod
From MiniArt
1/35th scale
Kit No #53053
Four marking choices are included in the box.
The Subject: Opel Blitz (mid-production type)
The Opel Blitz 3.6-36S (mid-production type) represents a critical transitional phase in Germany's wartime logistics, balancing the refined commercial engineering of the pre-war era with the harsh realities of material shortages on the Eastern Front. Introduced as the Wehrmacht's reliance on the 3-ton truck intensified, the mid-production variants adapted the standard pressed-steel cab to save raw materials. While keeping the highly reliable 3.6-litre, 6-cylinder overhead-valve gasoline engine, mid-production models increasingly phased out unnecessary aesthetic and structural elements to speed up assembly lines at the Opelwerk Brandenburg plant.

All of these period photos in this preview are the trucks selected in this boxing...
The most distinct differences between the mid-production type and the early-production models lie in austerity-driven design cuts. Early versions of the Blitz featured full-sized swept metal mudguards over the rear wheels, prominent side-running boards, a polished radiator grille complete with the iconic sweeping "Blitz" lightning logo, and large commercial-grade headlights. 
In contrast, mid-production types began omitting the rear wheel mudguards entirely by late 1942. The classic chrome branding and emblem disappeared from the front grille, the cab steps were simplified to basic metal bracket hoops, and standard headlights were replaced with smaller, blackout-capable alternatives or fitted with Nachtmarschgerät night-driving shrouds.
Inside and out, the physical silhouette of the truck shifted to accommodate changing military needs. The mid-production type introduced a mixed-material driver's cab that featured a distinctive "bumped" or bulged roofline, specifically designed to give soldiers extra clearance while wearing steel helmets. Changes extended to the rear wooden cargo bed, where the early-production drop-sides and fixed troop benches were replaced by simplified, 600mm solid-plank configurations with removable seating. These modifications bridged the gap between the luxurious early civilian-style transports and the stark, completely wooden Einheits (standardised) cabs manufactured later by Daimler-Benz from 1944 onward.

The kit's features in plastic...
We have some nice CADs of this sprue layout, providing some details of the makeup of the model. 

The plastic parts of the kit:
As always, crystal clear transparencies for the windows and highlights of the kit.
The chassis and some of the bodywork of the truck are all here
The smaller parts of the engine, linkages and interior controls are on these sprues.
A full engine and mechanical breakdown of the vehicle is included
The tray and the lower running gear of the truck are all supplied on these sprues.
The road wheels for the steel track links and steering wheels are all here, some on multiple sprues.
The link and length tracks make building this a lot simpler; some may opt for aftermarket separate links.
There is a small decal sheet for the four versions of the truck...
...and a smaller photo-etch sheet for the thinner parts of the truck.
These four trucks are shown at the start of this preview. A good range of theatres of war here.

This kit from MiniArt will soon be available. Until then, keep an eye on MiniArt's website or just look in here for more info on MiniArt’s new stuff.