DAF-139

Introduction & History for the Modeler
This is a 1/76 scale all resin model of an experimental amphibious car built for the Dutch Army. While there have been a number of amphibious vehicles; and there have been a number of vehicles with steering from the both ends, this is the only car I know to combine both features! The engine was in the center. Of the four seats, two seats faced forward and two seats faced rearward (or the other forward?).

I understand that only one car was produced and it appears to have been successful. It would likely have filled the same role as the later German Schwimwagen and US GPA. Following the untimely German invasion of the Netherlands and of Belgium in 1940 the vehicle disappeared and likely was destroyed to keep it form being captured.

The Kit

The model is composed of nineteen amber bubble-free and crisply cast resin parts. Among the parts are two steering wheels and two steering columns (the short rods), an optional canvas roof, two headlights for one end only, two windscreens, five tires (one is a spare) and four roof supports. There is clean-up to do but not too different from other resin kit makers. The body will need careful sawing with a wet blade (wet to keep the resin dust down).

Instructions

The instruction sheet consists of an unlabeled four-view line drawing of the completed model. I would not really call these instructions, but seeing that the kit is relatively simple and with the box photo, an intermediate to advanced modeler will have no problem.

No markings or painting instructions are included. The box color indicates a medium gray color though a light olive may also be reasonable.

Model

"Standing next to the car is Mr. Giesbers himself, quite proud of his car”:-). Though the history I found state only one was built, I have photos showing at least two different license plates: N44943 and N 44945. This leads me to believe there were two or three built. Why change numbers for a prewar experimental vehicle?

Conclusions

Overall a very nice model of a rare and unusual military auto. From several photos I have seen this model accurately depicts what the car looked like. I would have no problem incorporating it into a 1940 diorama placed in some roadway or town in the Netherlands. Casting of the resin is good, though there is a defect in the molding on the car sides that I did not notice till after painting. By this time, after construction, filling and sanding was not easy. Construction was easy and straightforward this model is consistent good quality with another Giesbers model I have seen.

I thank Sandman & Overlord, and I thank Giesbers for supplying me with this model.