Tamiya 35224 - 1:35 Schwimmwagen Type 166

Plastic model kit of the Schwimmwagen Type 166 amphibious car in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35224 depicts the Schwimmwagen Type 166 – a German amphibious field car based on the Volkswagen design and related to the Kübelwagen. Fitted with four-wheel drive and a folding propeller at the rear, it could move both off-road and on water. The model faithfully captures the characteristic boat-shaped body.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with body, interior and chassis parts
• Folding propeller for moving on water
• Reproduced four-wheel drive and interior
• Decal sheet and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35224
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 109 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit. It is worth painting the boat-shaped body carefully, allowing for any traces of use in water and terrain. Emphasise the final result with a wash and subtle weathering.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail, plus dry-brushing
• Pigments and paints for weathering effects (mud, dust, rust)

About the vehicle – Schwimmwagen Type 166:

The Schwimmwagen was developed as an amphibious field car based on the proven Volkswagen design. A folding propeller, connected to the engine, allowed it to move on water, while four-wheel drive handled difficult terrain. These vehicles were used for reconnaissance and liaison, among other tasks.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length: approx. 3.83 m
• Width: approx. 1.48 m
• Height: approx. 1.62 m
• Powerplant: air-cooled petrol engine, approx. 25 hp
• Max speed: approx. 80 km/h (land), approx. 10 km/h (water)
• Four-wheel drive (4×4)
• Feature: amphibious field car with a folding propeller

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. The 1:35 Military Miniature series is one of the most highly regarded military model lines in the world. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.