Tamiya 35230 - 1:35 U.S. 40 Ton Tank Transporter Dragon Wagon

Plastic model kit of the U.S. 40-ton 'Dragon Wagon' tank transporter in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35230 depicts the 'Dragon Wagon' – the largest U.S. tank transporter of the Second World War. The kit consists of a tractor with an armoured cab and a rugged low-loader trailer with a 40-ton capacity. The vehicle was used to transport and recover damaged tanks, greatly easing the logistics of the armoured forces. It is a large, impressive model that reproduces the powerful shape of the original in 1:35 scale.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with tractor and trailer parts
• Armoured tractor cab and a low-loader trailer
• Reproduced wheels, drive and equipment detail
• Decal sheet and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35230
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 380 mm (tractor with trailer)
• Skill level: intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit, but because of its size it is worth building it in subassemblies and planning the painting of the tractor and trailer separately. Emphasise the final result with a wash and weathering imitating heavy use.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail, plus dry-brushing
• Pigments and paints for weathering effects (mud, dust, rust)

About the vehicle – the 'Dragon Wagon' tank transporter:

As heavy tanks developed, the need to transport and recover them efficiently from the battlefield grew. Produced from 1943, the 'Dragon Wagon' – a tractor with an armoured cab coupled to a rugged trailer – was one of the largest transporters of the period, with a capacity of up to 40 tons.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length (tractor): approx. 7.7 m
• Length (trailer): approx. 11.7 m
• Payload: approx. 40 t
• Tractor powerplant: petrol engine, approx. 240 hp
• Max speed: approx. 45 km/h
• All-wheel drive (6×6)
• Crew: up to 7
• Feature: the largest U.S. WWII tank transporter, armoured cab

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. The 1:35 Military Miniature series is one of the most highly regarded military model lines in the world. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.