T-Model TK35002 - 1:35 Wooden Deck for Ssys

T-Model thin wooden deck for the Ssys / SSkra „Köln" flatcar model in 1:35

T-Model TK35002 is an upgrade in the form of a thin wooden sheet reproducing the deck planking of a German four-axle flatcar in 1:35. Instead of painting a smooth moulded surface, the modeller glues real wood with a natural grain over it and finishes it the way wood is finished.

The set is intended for T-Model 1:35 models of the 50 ton Ssys and 48 ton SSkra „Köln" flatcars. The individual planks are reproduced on the sheet, so each one can be toned separately to produce a deck that looks repeatedly repaired and worked hard.

What's in the box:

• Thin wooden sheet reproducing the deck planking of the flatcar

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: TK35002
• Manufacturer: T-Model
• Intended for: T-Model 1:35 models of the 50 t Ssys and 48 t SSkra „Köln" flatcars
• Type: thin wooden deck
• Material: thin wood

Thin wooden decks – natural plank texture on the model

Planking moulded in plastic always has a uniform, smooth surface. The mould reproduces the gaps between planks and any scribing, but it cannot reproduce what is most characteristic about wood: the grain. Real wood has it naturally, and it also absorbs paint and stain unevenly, so every plank takes colour slightly differently. Once finished, a thin wooden deck therefore looks more natural than a painted moulding, and in the large 1:35 scale the difference is especially visible — the planking sits practically at the viewer's eye level.

The sheet is glued to the model's deck with PVA glue or cyanoacrylate. It is convenient to tone the wood before fitting it — with stain, heavily thinned acrylics or a wash, applying colour with varying intensity to individual planks so that no two neighbouring boards end up identical. Once dry, the plank edges and gaps can be emphasised, and wear such as track scuffing, oil stains and dust can be added with pigments. This is a suggestion rather than the only route; many modellers get equally interesting results working with oils or pigments alone.

About the prototype – Ssys / SSkra „Köln":

The Ssys and SSkra „Köln" were four-axle heavy flatcars of the Deutsche Reichsbahn, rated at 50 tons and 48 tons respectively. They were the standard cars used to move German medium tanks by rail — the Pz.Kpfw. III and Pz.Kpfw. IV — as well as StuG assault guns, tractors and anti-aircraft guns.

Their role was not limited to carrying equipment. Cars of this type also served as the basis for improvised anti-aircraft wagons mounting an 8.8 cm Flak 36 behind makeshift side walls. Such single cars were attached to armoured trains and military transports to defend them against air attack — a rewarding subject that is often recreated in dioramas.

Prototype specifications (Ssys / SSkra „Köln"):

• Type: four-axle heavy flatcar
• Operator: Deutsche Reichsbahn
• Capacity: 50 t (Ssys), 48 t (SSkra „Köln")
• Axle arrangement: four axles
• Typical loads: Pz.Kpfw. III, Pz.Kpfw. IV, StuG assault guns, anti-aircraft guns
• Secondary use: basis for improvised anti-aircraft wagons with the 8.8 cm Flak 36

About the manufacturer – T-Model:

T-Model is a Chinese manufacturer of scale models and modelling accessories based in Beijing. Its range is dominated by 1:72 and 1:35 subjects covering modern American vehicles and German World War II railway rolling stock. Alongside plastic kits, T-Model releases accessories for its own products: photo-etched parts, thin wooden decks, masks and decals. This lets modellers detail a railway car without looking for accessories from other brands.