VW Type 82 Kübelwagen - Part 1

Over the last few days, I’ve built one of the S-Model kits — the Kubelwagen Ambulance variant. I’m still working out how I want to present these subprojects, but for now, I’ll be splitting them into two parts:

• Part 1: a short review of the kit, a few photos of the finished build, and some thoughts on how the unit fits into Battlegroup.

• Part 2: the painting and weathering stages, with a step-by-step breakdown of how I achieved each effect (that one might even need two parts to keep it manageable).

Anyway, enough of that — let’s jump into the review.

The Kit

The 1/72 S-Model Kubelwagen Ambulance is a surprisingly good little kit. It comes with both photo-etched and resin printed parts, which really elevate the overall quality and level of detail.

 I’m usually a bit hesitant about picking up kits off eBay, but this one really outshines its modest price tag — both in terms of fit and presentation.

What Works Well

This kit was a pleasure to build — the part fit and instructions were excellent. It’s small and simple, but that simplicity works in its favour.

The photo-etched parts are sturdy and don’t bend easily when handled. There aren’t many of them, but they add some great visual interest and help the model stand out on the table.

The surface detail is crisp and well placed. Everything you’d expect is there — and more importantly, there aren’t any glaring blank spots where detail has been skipped.

I also had an aftermarket photo-etch set on hand, but honestly didn’t need to use it — the kit’s own detail was more than enough. The only piece I did use was the dashboard, which added a subtle but nice finishing touch.

What Doesn’t Work So Well

Honestly, there isn’t much to fault here. If you’re a modeller after a highly detailed, true-to-scale build, you might find it a little simplified. But for a wargamer, it’s spot-on.

My only real gripe is with the wheels — they’re serviceable but not amazing. I swapped mine out for replacements from Clean Prop, which have sharper tread and more realistic proportions.

Overall, for what it offers, this is a great value kit and a nice little addition to my growing 12. SS Platoon.

Using It in Battlegroup

To be honest, I’ve never fielded a Medic unit before. They always seemed a bit expensive for what they do — and while Battlegroup isn’t meant to be competitive, I do like getting good value for my points. 

For comparison, the Kubelwagen Ambulance costs 14 points, whereas for just 6 points more (and one less BR) you can get an Sd.Kfz. 222 armoured car — a far more versatile option for my style of play. 

In-game, the Medic rule allows you to attempt to save one casualty per turn by rolling a D6 — on a 5+, a single causality is saved. This can only happen once per turn. The only real difference between the ambulance and a medic on foot is that the latter can be attached directly to a squad (stated in the FAQ), though the underlying rule remains the same.  

It’s a neat thematic rule, but it does feel a bit limited. With Battlegroup’s second edition on the horizon, I’m curious to see if this mechanic gets revisited — particularly since it applies equally to both vehicle and foot medics. 

Right now, I’d say the Ambulance is a great modelling opportunity but a weak tactical choice. I’ll try it in a few games to see if it surprises me, but on paper, it doesn’t really suit the way I tend to play.

Final Thoughts

The S-Model Kubelwagen Ambulance is a simple, satisfying build that delivers excellent value for the money. It’s well detailed, easy to assemble, and fits beautifully into a 20mm wargaming collection.

While it may not see much action on the Battlegroup battlefield, it’s still a fun and characterful project that adds personality to any German force — and that’s worth it on its own.