Airfix 1:35 WWII U.S. Military Tractor with diorama

[zak]

This is from Airfix and the photos show the box art, what is in the box and then once you open the poly bags.
3 Poly bags, 2 with plastic parts and the other with a small etched brass fret and the transfers.
It does not state what type of tractor this actually is, probably a Case.
Instructions/colour schemes are provided from military(US) and civilian use.
No figure is included, so why put one on the box art?

Further research suggest this is the Thunder Models tractor, at least I think.

[chriswil42]

Yes I have that issue with a Fujimi helicopter I've almost finished. The photograph on the box does not match what's inside. One or two little mods were required.

[zak]

Not much modelling at the moment, too much going on down the allotment, and I decided to do some research on the tractor and watch several build reviews of the Thunder Models one and also some builds.
They certainly warn you of some of the problems, which seem to be very few.
Exhausts to improve, you can buy resin and brass add on bits, but I probably will not bother, I will just attempt to improve what is in the kit if I can.
Plug leads and so on.

[zak]

Engine as supplied with starter motor, distributor and oil filter added, no spark plugs or leads.
The leads were added from wire of different sizes.
The plug covers are insulation from wire.
No batter is supplied, it should be to the left of the engine.

[zak]

The fan is etched brass, with no fold lines, so I used the etched brass bending tool to assist getting the bends right.
The fan belt was made from Tamiya tape and glues into position.

[MSea]

Nice brass and tape work.

[zak]

Radiator added with hoses, exhaust drilled out.
Gear stick added, basic engine/ transmission work completed.

I have been unable to find information about the battery.
Some models had a magneto and so no battery?

[MSea]

The extra detail makes it into an excellent model from just a very very good one.

[zak]

The extra detail makes it into an excellent model from just a very very good one.

It is a really nice kit, and so far it goes together well, the only ejector pin marks were on the inside of the mudguards and when built these would not show. I removed them even so.

[chriswil42]

Looking good Dave.

[zak]

Looking good Dave.

Thanks Chris.
Once again the etched brass had no fold lines etched and so I used my trusty bending tool.
They were then fitted to the tractor.

[cph64]

Loving the detail, great work.

[zak]

Construction, just about complete, now onto undercoat and then painting.
Military tractor or civilian, I am undecided as yet.
Pristine or weathered? Again undecided.

I think this would look good in a workshop diorama, or in a barn, again the thought process are just starting to work.

[MSea]

In a barn and very weathered

[zak]

In a barn and very weathered

In a barn, part of a collection, newly restored, with tools and other stuff about?
I will have another tractor to go with it.
This will leave room for something awaiting restoration outside -who knows.
Corrugated iron barn with workshop attached.