Subject:  
Mercedes-Benz
Type L 4500A
Kit Used: ALBY 1/35

Review & model by:
John Kesner
Pictures: R. Forys

May 2005
Model of the Month





[The Mercedes-Benz Type L 4500A]



History:   The Mercedes-Benz Type L 4500A was developed as part of the German "Schell plan", basically a plan to standardize the different classes of trucks between German manufacturers.   The MB 4500A was classified as a heavy transport in the 4.5-ton class of truck and was used primarily for supply purposes.



[The model A was a 4x4, all wheel drive, all-terrain transport]


Two models were produced, model "S" which was a 4x2 (rear drive only) and model "A" that was a 4x4, all wheel drive all-terrain transport.   Both models were powered by an inline 6-cylinder diesel motor rated at 112 HP.   The MB 4500 was produced from 1939 till 1945. Production continued after the war for civilian use until 1946.



[The Kit is produced by a Frence company called ALBY.]



The Kit:  The model itself is produced by a rather obscure company out of France called ALBY.   It depicts a standard cargo version-MB Type L 4500A 4x4.   The resin castings were OK.   Highlights were the truck's wheels and photo-etch front grille.   Although this kit could be very nice assembled "out of the box", I decided to enhance the details by rebuilding certain components of the kit.



[The frame, leaf springs, and axles were completely rebuilt.] [he rear cargo box was redone with basswood and plastic C- channel supports.]



The frame was redone using plastic C-channels and I-beam cross braces.   The leaf springs were rebuilt by laminating plastic strips, and the front and rear axles were completely rebuilt with added bolt details.   The rear cargo box was redone with basswood and plastic C- channel supports, and lots of Grandt line bolts were added to the cargo box and frame rails.



[] []
[Highlights of the kit included the photo-etch front grille.] [The front cab was the only major original kit part used, as it is very nicely cast.]


The original kit parts (cargo box, axles, frame, etc.) were used to pattern the newly created pieces.   The tarp was made with tissue paper/white glue over a framework made of brass wire rod.   The front cab was the only major original kit part used, as it is very nicely cast.



[the model was finished in standard German panzer gray.]


I finished the model in standard German panzer gray.   The tarp was painted medium green.   Black and brown washes and pastel powders were used in weathering the truck.



[The tarp was painted medium green.]


This was a fun project to build!!   I'd almost have to call this model a "scratch build" with all the rebuilt parts but, as I said, the kit would look great out of the box.   I bought this kit on Ebay and all I can say is good luck trying to find one - anywhere!!   However, Real Models produces a model of this truck, which looks good on their box art but alas, I can't comment on their kits since I've never put one together.



[The kit would look great out of the box.] [The original kit parts were used to pattern the newly created pieces.]


References:

  Mercedes at War, Reinhard Frank, Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., Vol. 41, 1999



[The tarp was made with tissue paper/white glue over a framework made of brass wire.]