In 1929, GM acquired the engine producer Adam Opel AG, based in Russelsheim, Germany, and with it, one of the most well regarded manufacturing plants in Europe. In the early 1930's, Opel introduced a fast light truck, calling it the Opel Blitz (Lightning) and in 1935 opened a modern truck factory in Brandenburg. Although light in weight, the Blitz design could carry a considerable payload. A proven six-cylinder engine from another GM company, Buick, provided the power. The payload increased in steps from the original 1.93 tons to 2.76 tons, and finally to 3.31 tons, of which the S type could transport cross-country.

The greatest production figures were achieved by the Opel Blitz 3-ton S with 82,356 units produced with the 3.6 liter engine from April 1937 to the beginning of August 1944. This dependable, light 3-ton truck enjoyed great popularity among the units. The simple, yet robust Opel design proved itself in the confusion of war and was superior to many specially-designed vehicles. The 3-ton Blitz was superior to many other 3-ton trucks on account of its low ground pressure which was a result of the vehicle's low weight.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a German Opel Blitz cargo truck with a 2cm FLaK Gun on a portee mount that was attached to the Luftwaffe's FLaK Abteilung 74, then serving in Russia during 1941. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 3-1/4-inches
Width: 1-1/4-inches

Release Date: December 2010

Historical Account: "Skyward Bound" - A mixed flak Battalion (German: Abteilung) was formed as a part of the Luftwaffe Field Division. It had one heavy Battery with three 20 mm cannons and four 88 mm guns along with twenty-seven 20 mm Anti-Aircraft guns. It had a headquarters staff as well as signals support troops. The anti-aircraft units were formed up in battalions (German: Flak-Abteilungen), regiments (German: Flak-Regimenter), brigades (German: Flak-Brigaden e.g. Flak-Brigade XIX), divisions (German: Flak-Divisionen, e.g. 27.Flak-Division) and corps. Battalions would be "light" (German: leichte) "mixed" (German: gemischte) or "heavy" (German: schwere), referring to the size of guns in their batteries.

Flak guns in use were in five calibers - 20 mm and 37 mm and the heavier 88 mm, 105 mm and 128 mm. Over the course of the war, the continuous attacks by first RAF, then USAAF bombers on German cities led to increases in the number of Flak units deployed in Germany. Late in the war, AA units were bolstered by the use of foreigners and German youths. There were a total of 29 Flak divisions. Each division generally consisted of five Flak Regiments, one searchlight regiment, three motorized flak transport battalions, one Air Signals battalion and supply troops. The number of transport battalions varied depending on location and need of transport of the divisions. First of these was formed in Berlin on July 1st, 1938, as Air Defense Command (German: Luftverteidigungskommando) but later renamed as 1.Flak Division.