Tamiya 35239 - 1:35 Schwerer Zugkraftwagen 18t Sd.Kfz.9 FAMO

Plastic model kit of the Sd.Kfz.9 FAMO heavy half-track (18 t) in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35239 depicts the Sd.Kfz.9 'FAMO' – the heaviest German half-track of the Second World War. This heavy tractor of around 18 tons was used mainly to tow the heaviest guns and to recover damaged tanks from the battlefield. The model faithfully reproduces the vehicle's powerful shape, and the movable front steering adds to its display appeal.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, cab and chassis parts
• Movable front steering
• Reproduced road wheels and (vinyl) tracks
• Decal sheet and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35239
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 238 mm
• 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. Because of the elaborate running gear it is worth building it in subassemblies and planning the painting sequence. 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 – Sd.Kfz.9 FAMO:

The FAMO (Sd.Kfz.9) was the heaviest German half-track produced in quantity during the Second World War. Thanks to its high power and traction it was used to tow the heaviest guns and to recover damaged tanks, making it an important link in the logistics of the armoured forces.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length: approx. 8.3 m
• Width: approx. 2.6 m
• Height: approx. 2.85 m
• Mass: approx. 18 t
• Powerplant: Maybach HL108 petrol engine (V12), approx. 270 hp
• Max speed: approx. 50 km/h
• Role: towing heavy guns, tank recovery
• Feature: the heaviest German WWII half-track

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.