Schwimmwagen Typ 166 Wide Wheel Version

Tamiya 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Summary

B a c k g r o u n d

The Volkswagen Schwimmwagen emerged from a clear and pressing requirement issued by the German Wehrmacht in the early years of the Second World War: a lightweight, all-terrain vehicle capable of traversing not only rough ground but also water obstacles with minimal preparation. As German forces advanced across Europe and later into the vast expanses of the Soviet Union, rivers, marshes and poor infrastructure posed constant challenges to mobility. A simple, amphibious utility vehicle was seen as an elegant solution.

Development and Manufacture

Development was entrusted to Ferdinand Porsche’s design team, building on the proven foundations of the Volkswagen Kübelwagen. The resulting Type 166 Schwimmwagen featured a watertight, boat-shaped hull, raised ride height and four-wheel drive—an improvement over the rear-wheel-drive Kübelwagen. Propulsion in water was provided by a retractable propeller linked directly to the engine, while the front wheels doubled as rudders. This clever integration kept the design mechanically straightforward and relatively easy to maintain in the field.

Variants were limited, with the Type 166 representing the definitive production model. Earlier prototypes, such as the Type 128, were larger and heavier, but these were quickly superseded by the more compact and better-balanced Type 166, which offered improved off-road performance and amphibious capability.

Manufacture took place primarily at Volkswagen’s Fallersleben plant, with production running from 1942 to 1944. Around 15,000 examples were built, making it the most widely produced amphibious vehicle of the war. Despite increasing pressure on German industry, the Schwimmwagen remained relatively simple to produce, sharing many components with the Kübelwagen and civilian Volkswagen designs.

Into Service

Entering service on all major theatres, the Schwimmwagen proved particularly valuable on the Eastern Front, where rivers and mud were ever-present obstacles. It was used for reconnaissance, liaison and light transport duties, often operating in conditions that would immobilise heavier vehicles. Its ability to cross waterways without bridges gave German units a degree of tactical flexibility.

In service, the Schwimmwagen was generally regarded as effective and reliable, though its light construction limited payload and protection. Nevertheless, its versatility outweighed these shortcomings.

Legacy

The Schwimmwagen’s legacy endures as one of the most successful amphibious vehicles ever produced. Its innovative yet practical design continues to influence military vehicle concepts, and surviving examples remain highly prized by collectors and historians alike.

F i r s t L o o k

Tamiya’s 1:35 scale Schwimmwagen Type 166 was first released in 1998, but it remains a jewel in the company’s extensive military miniature range.

Tamiya has now updated the kit with a new release featuring an additional five wide wheels, two new figures and a selection of new and revised parts.

With the addition of two brand-new sprues, the kit now comprises 146 parts moulded in Tamiya’s familiar Dark Yellow plastic, plus a small sheet of nylon mesh, die-cut clear acetate for the windscreen and markings for three vehicles.

You will have at least 20 unused plastic parts left over from this version..

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It is very much to Tamiya’s credit that the original 1998 sprues still hold up well alongside the new parts.
By far the most obvious difference from the original release is the wide wheels, which lend real character to this version. To accurately capture the deep-dish hubs, each tyre is broken down into five segments plus a separate centre section.

A wide spare tyre is also included, mounted on the upper front hull.

New parts include the body-mounted MG 34 machine gun, Kar 98k rifle, a shovel, Panzerfaust, paddle and an optional covered windscreen.

The original driver figure is retained, joined by two all-new figures—one seated in the vehicle and an Panzer officer standing alongside offering direction. The contrast between old and new is noticeable, with the 2026 figures displaying a clear improvement in finesse.

The distinctive boat-shaped hull is split into upper and lower sections, neatly capturing the amphibious form. Detail is commendable, with a fully rendered interior including seats, controls and floor structure, all clearly visible on the finished model.

As with many kits, some forward planning is advisable, especially when painting interior areas. A simple but effective engine is included and may be displayed beneath the open rear deck. The propeller assembly is cleverly designed and can be posed raised or lowered, offering useful diorama possibilities.

Surface detail is crisp and appropriately sparse.

The decal sheet is comprehensive, offering markings for three vehicles (two Wehrmacht and one Luftwaffe), along with number plates, interior placards, rank insignia and exterior stencils.

C o n c l u s i o n

This is classic, uncomplicated Tamiya. The Schwimmwagen upgrade introduces a welcome touch of modern finesse while retaining the kit’s original ease of assembly and inherent charm.

The result should be an enjoyable, stress-free project that will appeal to beginners and experienced modellers alike.

Highly Recommended.

Purchased by the Reviewer

Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited for the sample.