Hobby Master HG3912 | German Cargo Truck 8th Gebirgsjager Division Bologna, Italy, Spring 1945

General Background:

These 3-ton cargo trucks became the back bone of the German military transports. The military designation for these 3-ton trucks was Kfz. 305. Originally designed as a 4X2 rear-wheel drive but in 1940 a 4-wheel design was made available and it became very much appreciated by its crew for the cross country abilities. This variant of the 3-ton was used primarily for cargo transportation but could easily be adapted to handle troops.
These 3-ton trucks continued to be manufactured even when WWII was declared ended and the S type became the most used truck for German commercial transport. From 1937 to 1944 approximately 82,000 of the Type “S” were built and another 14,000 with a long wheel-base and 8,300 with a low-level base

The Armor:

Originally what was the 157th Reserve Infantry Division became the 157th Gebirgsjager
Division (Mountain Infantry Division) in January, 1944. The Division did most of its
fighting in the Western Alps before being renamed the 8th Gebirgsjager Division in
February 1945. The 8th, along with its support sections were immediately sent to
Northern Italy’s Bologna and Po Valley regions in an effort to stop the advancing Allied
Forces. In April 1945, only two months after being formed the 8th Gebirgsjager Division
surrendered to American Forces.

Specifications for the base variant of the 2X4 rear-wheel drive 3-Ton Cargo Truck.

Performance
Engine - (6) cylinder, 3,626 L   (221 cu in), 68 hp (51 kW) @ 2,800 rpm
Gears - (5) forward, (1) reverse
Brakes - Hydraulic all wheels

Fuel
Type of Fuel - gasoline
Capacity - 82 L (21.7 US gal)
Consumption
On Road - 26 L/100 km (9.0 mpg)
Off Road - 35 L/100 km (6.7 mpg)
Speed on Road - 85 km/h   (52.8 mph)

Dimensions
Length – 6.10 m   (20.03 ft)
Width – 2.26 m   (7.43 ft)
Height – 2.85 m   (9.35 ft)
Wheel base – 3.600 m   (11.81 ft)

Weights
Weight - 5800 kg   (12,790 lb)
Usual Maximum Load – 4000 kg   (8,818 lb)