What's in the Box? Schwimmwagen Tamiya, 1/48

Like all Tamiya's models in 1/48 the box top vehicle is portrayed in a realistic setting.

You get 35 pieces of sand coloured plastic, no figures. I think the wheels might have too round a shoulder, check your references on this. This is almost as detailed as the bigger sibling in 1/35 from Tamiya. You get a separate hood for the rear mounted engine but there is nothing to show if you keep it open. How about nicking this part from Bandai's model in same scale?

Clear glass and decals in a separate bag.

Still have this to build, might even do it in three colour camou for the sake of the challenge in this scale.

What's in the Box? Schwimmwagen Tamiya New, 1/35

The box art is a piece of perfection and very Tamiyan.

You get 59 pieces of sand brown plastic, some of them doubled as seats, lights, wheels etc. The driver is in 7 parts. This kit does not include a raised top but there is no need to hide all those beautiful parts in the tub. The kit is including an engine for you to show if you want.

A well detailed tub, a large piece of mesh and separate wind shield in a plastic bag.

The markings are clear and in register, just as expected from a new kit from Tamiya. Decals for three individual vehicles.

Well, guess there's not so much more to say. Found a fine review, photos and links on Hyperscale that might be of interest for you.

Mini Cooper Amphibian

By accident I found out Mini is going to launch an amphibious version of the little car, just check this out!

Read all about it here and wach this short clip. Amazing how they can mess with a beautiful GPA like this. And when did Olive Drab fall out of fashion? Is it really legal? Shouldn't be.

What's in the Box? Schwimmwagen Tamiya Old, 1/35

Classic Tamiya box art, not as sharp and well defined as today's but more arty.

Heavy plastic, simple weapons and tools. Just look at that horrible MG 38. Quite bit of work to straighten this one out.

Just look at that folding top, huaaagh! Better glue that erected one to the car instead, it doesn't look that bad does it? The tires have Continental written on them.

Three little men to man the vehicle.

Pennants and patches to put on the helmets and registration numbers of course. Wind shield, wiper and frame in one piece.

In total I'd say the wheels and folding top looks most convincing of all parts in this box.Yes, it's old. Yes, it's a classic. Yes, I'll give it a chance no matter what you say.

Walk Around; VW Schwimmwagen

 Photos of Volkswagen Schwimmwagen at the Arsenalen museum in Sweden. The Swedish newspaper DN have an article and a video showing the vehicle in action.

What's in the Box? Schwimmwagen Bandai, 1/48

This is in a scale that was a bit forgotten in general till Tamiya started a new trend producing armour and soft skin vehicles for the masses a few years ago. Bandai's now old kit is rather heavy and thickly cast in dark grey plastic. All in all you have 50 parts to assembly before done. A prominent gap will be visible on the inside of the mud guards after assembly I can tell after dry fitting the parts. The delicate front bumper is molded to the upper body part so be careful when handling it. German eagle holding a swastika on box top is showing this kit's age. Call in the archaeologists!

Separate seats in front and parted seats in the back. Wheel hubs are very finely detailed.

On photo above you may spot the very simple folding top, it is almost like a toy version of the real thing. Maybe a good reason to use the raised one instead? On the left you can see the engine and hood, great if you want to super detail och make a diorama more interesting.

Three small men in green plastic, 11 parts.

A wide assortment of markings for this one. Wind shield includes a wiper.

I think this little car can be just fine if one is a bit careful when building it. A general advice is to thin all edges to make it a bit more delicate looking. However, a Tamiya it is not but it have its points.

What's in the box? Italeri Schwimmwagen, 1/35

Italeri's Schwimmwagen is not of the most recent date, I remember it being built by a much younger self a quarter of a century ago or so. It is not only the molds that are being recycled but also the box art, showing an odd assembly of people having a chat in the mud.

The kit is molded in light grey and you get 74pieces of plastic in all. Of these a good 19 are for the three figures. The lower part of the vehicle is split vertically, a very unusual way of construction for a Schwimmwagen kit. The cast is rather nice and not so bad as one might believe for such an old kit. Twin seats in front and a sofa in the back. Another unusual detail is the inclusion of a raised canvas roof as an option. Propeller and semi circular guard is in one piece. This piece is not too bad although it is a bit chunky, a bit of sanding and scraping might cure this. Open up the ventilation in the rear and replace the net and you will get a fairly decent model for an acceptable price.

A bit stocky and heavily cast but one might find the female interesting as she's quite unusual as a figure.

Decals are a bit bright but a coat of mud may change this.

Half a dozen steps will take you through the build. You get three different colours to choose from; grey, grey and grey.

Cutemobile. The backside illustrations really brings out the non aggressive but practical profile of this little car. Did I mention grey?

This is a simple kit but do not let yourself be fooled by this. Good building and painting ability will bring out its best. Add a bit of home made detailing and extras and you have a winner.