The Kit

This is a review of the Italeri 1/24 scale Mercedes-Benz 2448 Canvas Truck. The box is large and features photos of the built-up model on the top. Along the sides are 360-degree views of the model that can be used for reference. Inside the box you will find three individual bags of yellow, black, and grey styrene; there is a tree of chrome parts and a tree of clear parts, each wrapped individually in plastic bags. There is a super decal sheet which contains markings for two separate trucks, twelve soft rubber tires, and a twelve-page, well laid out instruction booklet. All of the parts trees are clearly marked. The first two pages of the instruction booklet contain a drawing of all the parts trees, making the individual parts easy to find. The instruction guide also calls out painting suggestions.

The Build

Chassis and engine

All of the engine and chassis pieces are molded in black styrene. The assembly process begins with the chassis. There are four parts that form the main twin I-beams of the chassis and several cross braces that must be fitted between them. The instruction sheet calls out each piece and the drawings clearly show where each piece locates. Plus, there are locating holes and recesses on the main frame rails to lock the cross members into place. The suspension pieces attach to the frame with mounting pins and holes. The front wheels are poseable. Once assembled, the chassis is a sturdy piece. It is nicely detailed and, from references I found online, it is very representative of these types of trucks.

The engine represents the eight-cylinder turbo charged diesel Mercedes uses in its big trucks. It is composed of the engine/transmission halves. The oil pan, cylinder heads, intake manifold, and various other parts all locate to this. Gluing the engine/transmission halves together will leave a seam on the top and bottom of the assembly. The oil pan and intake manifold will cover the one on the engine and the top of the transmission isn’t visible after final assembly; however, the one on the bottom of the transmission will need to be filled.

Cab, Interior and Cargo Box

There is a platform-style interior that builds off the floor pan. The seats, doors, and dash are all separate pieces, which makes painting the interior much easier. The interior has excellent detail, including bunk beds for the sleeper compartment and overhead storage. There is a decal for the instrument cluster and radio.

The cab is comprised of five separate pieces, not including the clear parts, and builds up around the floor pan and interior. The instructions direct you to install the clear parts and then glue the exterior pieces to the interior bucket. This would make painting the exterior as a single unit difficult. I suggest assembling the cab separately, painting it as a single unit, installing the clear glass, and then slipping it over the built interior and gluing it in place. Assembling the separate pieces of the cab is tricky; my suggestion is use a couple rubber bands to help hold it in place while the glue dries.

Installing the spoiler on the rear of the cab was frustrating. Uncharacteristically, there are no positive locating points for it. Fitting it around the exhaust and insuring it is square is tricky.

The cargo box is a simple matter; it consists of four sides, a top, and a bottom. Again, I suggest the use of rubber bands or clamps to hold it in position until the glue dries. Be careful not to confuse the front panel with the back as I did. The back panel is the one with the rope detail along the side and bottom. The front has this detail only on the bottom.

Decals

The box advertises a “Super Decal Sheet” and they are super nice. The sheet has decals for two different versions of the truck. While the decals for the cargo box are the same, the stripes for the cab are different, and there is an array of license plates from various European countries. The decals are thin, opaque, and lay down well with very little setting solution. The instruction booklet and box art is an excellent guide for locating the decals.

Final Assembly

Final assembly of the Italeri Mercedes-Benz 2448 Canvas Truck is a breeze. You will have three sub assemblies – the chassis, the cab, and the cargo box. The chassis has two hooks at the front that sit on a bar on the bumper and allows the cab to tilt forward to view the engine. Hint: do not glue the chrome grille guard in place if you want to be able to tilt the cab forward. Then simply glue the cargo box to the frame rails of the chassis, ensuring proper alignment, and VOILA!, you’re done.

Final Thoughts

The Mercedes-Benz 2448 Canvas Truck is an excellent kit; I would highly recommend it to moderate to experienced builders. The high parts count may be too much for beginners or inexperienced builders. This kit is typical of other Italeri kits I have built. There was very little flash and minimal ejection pin marks; all cleaned up easily. The parts fit was superb, there was crisp detail molding, and the decals are of high quality. I have spent some time in Europe and know these types of trucks are a common sight there; however, I feel they make a unique subject on American modeling tables.

I would very much like to thank MRC and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this model.