Tamiya 35244 - 1:35 M26 Armored Tank Recovery Vehicle

Plastic model kit of the U.S. M26 Armored Tank Recovery Vehicle in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35244 depicts the M26 – a U.S. armoured tractor that formed part of the heavy 'Dragon Wagon' transporter. Fitted with an armoured cab and powerful winches, it was used to tow and recover damaged or disabled tanks from the battlefield. The model represents the tractor itself in the recovery-vehicle role.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with cab and chassis parts
• Armoured tractor cab and winches
• Reproduced wheels, 6×6 drive and equipment detail
• Decal sheet and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35244
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 220 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. It is worth painting the cab and recovery equipment in stages before final assembly. 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 – M26 (recovery tractor):

The M26 was an armoured tractor forming part of the U.S. 'Dragon Wagon' transporter. Besides carrying tanks on a trailer, it was also used on its own – as a recovery vehicle for retrieving damaged machines from the battlefield, thanks to its armoured cab and powerful winches.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length (tractor): approx. 7.7 m
• Width: approx. 3.4 m
• Height: approx. 3.2 m
• Powerplant: petrol engine, approx. 240 hp
• Max speed: approx. 45 km/h
• All-wheel drive (6×6)
• Crew: up to 7
• Feature: armoured cab, winches for tank recovery

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.