Italeri 1/72 Camionetta AS 42 Sahariana By Bill Powers

Introduction

To counteract the British Long Range Desert Group (a.k.a. Desert Rats), Italy developed a specialized desert reconnaissance vehicle using components from the proven AB 40/41 armored car. Called the Camionetta Desertica (“Desert Jeep”) mod 42 or Sahariana, it could carry a six man patrol with armament and equipment plus fuel, water rations and explosive. Some of the fuel was carried by 20 “jerry cans” in racks on each side of the vehicle, giving it a very distinct side view. The “Jeep” carried either a 20mm Breda or 47/32 antivehicle cannon in a center pedestal mount and up to three Breda 8mm machine guns, plus one tripod mount for “off vehicle activities”. The first examples were used in Libya, Tunisia and Sicily. After the Italian Armistice, some continued to operate in Russia and Rome apparently by Italians assigned to a German paratroop division. After the war, several were used by the Italian Police, painted red! None exist today, too bad!

The Kit

Italeri has produced a new kit in 1/72 of this unique vehicle and what a beautiful example of molding! There is only one sprue, but don’t let that turn you off. Everything is on that sprue. As you can see from the photos, the detail is exquisite. Checking the kit components against photos, the detail appears accurate, including the folding seats. The kit furnishes the Breda 20mm L/65 AA Gun and one Breda 8mm to mount behind the windshield plus a folded tripod. The Breda 20mm could be a model by itself! The tools are molded separate from the hull...yea! I saw one of these kits assembled but not painted at the Italeri booth in Anaheim and it looked beautiful! The body pieces are very thin, with some interesting shapes, so care will be required when assembling.

An old IPMS Journal has three view drawings and photos (Quarterly Vol 19 number 2 Winter 1983...yes, I’ve been modeling that long) or you can Google for more info...but it’s sparse! A good site for info and a few pictures is Comando Supremo.

An article on the Military Modelling site has the same three view drawings as IPMS plus different photos and history.

Conclusion

I bought this kit and thank you Italeri for another wonderful 1/72 kit!.