Unusual wartime Tatra in service with the Deutsche Reichsbahn as a new item from Attack Hobby Kits
What to do when there is a shortage of gasoline, but the truck must continue to drive? During World War II, a surprising solution was offered – wood.
This principle was used to create an unusual variant of the Czechoslovak Tatra 27b powered by wood gas. Attack Hobby Kits is now bringing this unusual variant to modelers in 1:72 scale as the new Tatra 27b Holzgas Deutsche Reichsbahn kit, catalog number 72994.
This Tatra is definitely not just another variation of an ordinary truck. The characteristic wood-gas generator, the additional fuel box and, above all, the covered body with a tarpaulin make it a very attractive and at first glance unmistakable model.
Tatra 27b on wood gas
During World War II, due to the shortage of gasoline and other liquid fuels, a number of cars began to use alternative fuels. One of them was wood gas (Holzgas).
Wood or other solid fuel was gasified in a special device and the resulting gas was then used as fuel for a modified internal combustion engine.
However, this seemingly simple solution meant a significant change in the appearance of the car. The Tatra 27b featured a bulky device for producing wood gas, which immediately became one of the most striking details of the entire vehicle.
These technical features are what make the Tatra 27b Holzgas such an interesting subject for modelers.
In the service of the Deutsche Reichsbahn
Even more interesting is the fact that this particular variant of the Tatra 27b was operated by the Deutsche Reichsbahn.
While searching for historical documents, we managed to find photographs that initially might have indicated that this was a single or very rare specimen. However, other photographs showed that it was not an isolated unique item. Tatra produced an entire series of these vehicles for the German railways.
It is the combination of a Czechoslovak truck, wood gas propulsion and Deutsche Reichsbahn service that gives this kit a very interesting historical context.
And it opens up other possibilities for modelers.
The Tatra 27b Holzgas is perfect not only as a stand-alone model, but also for dioramas depicting railway stations, freight yards, workshops, industrial areas or transport facilities from the Second World War.
Proven basis, new variant
The new model is based on the previously released Tatra 27b kit, which Attack Hobby Kits has supplemented with a completely new set of parts needed for the Holzgas version.
The result is a model that combines a familiar base with a number of characteristic elements of a specific variant.
And it is the details that make the difference here.
What’s in the box?
Attack Hobby Kits combines several production technologies with this new product, thanks to which it was possible to capture specific parts of the Tatra 27b Holzgas in the appropriate form.
The kit includes:
- plastic parts of the basic Tatra 27b kit,
- cast resin parts for the wood gas production equipment,
- resin wheels with finely detailed tire tread,
- 3D printed tarpaulin for the body,
- 3D printed fuel box
It is the combination of resin and modern 3D printing that allows this kit to offer details that would be very difficult to process using classic production methods.
The tarpaulin for the body deserves great attention. Thanks to 3D printing, it was possible to create its shape, including fine details and natural sagging. The carefully reproduced shape and natural sagging of the tarpaulin add another level of realism to the finished model.
Another unusual Tatra for the collection
The Tatra 27b Holzgas Deutsche Reichsbahn in 1:72 scale is a kit for modelers looking for something a little different than another commonly seen military vehicle.
Its historically interesting subject, distinctive wood-gas equipment, Deutsche Reichsbahn connection and combination of traditional plastic parts, resin and 3D-printed components make this a very attractive addition to the Attack Hobby Kits range.
If you enjoy unusual vehicles, technical curiosities and models with a story, the Tatra 27b Holzgas is definitely worth your attention.
