Tamiya 35246 - 1:35 German 18t Famo & Tank Transporter Sd.Ah.116

Plastic model kit of the FAMO 18t tractor with the Sd.Ah.116 transporter trailer in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35246 depicts the German FAMO heavy half-track (18 t) coupled to the low-loader Sd.Ah.116 transporter trailer. Assembled this way, the set was used to transport and recover damaged tanks of the 22–23 t class (such as the Pz.Kpfw.III and Pz.Kpfw.IV). The trailer was suspended between two bogies, the rear of which had a separate steering mechanism to ease manoeuvring with a heavy load. It is the longest kit in the Military Miniature series – over 640 mm once built.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with FAMO tractor and Sd.Ah.116 trailer parts
• Low-loader trailer with a separately steered rear bogie
• 12 figures (crew plus a tank-loading scene at the rear of the trailer)
• Rubber tyres and metal/metal-plated accessory parts (incl. a chain for securing the load)
• Decal sheet and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35246
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 640 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. The tank for loading is not included in the kit. 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 – FAMO and the Sd.Ah.116 transporter:

As heavier armoured vehicles developed, the need to transport and recover them efficiently from the battlefield grew. The heavy FAMO tractor, coupled to the low-loader Sd.Ah.116 trailer, allowed damaged tanks to be transported over long distances too, making this set an important link in armoured-force logistics.

Original vehicle specifications:

• FAMO tractor length: approx. 8.3 m
• Tractor mass: approx. 18 t
• Tractor powerplant: Maybach HL108 petrol engine (V12), approx. 270 hp
• Max speed: approx. 50 km/h
• Sd.Ah.116 trailer: low-loader, rear bogie with separate steering
• Trailer capacity: tanks of the 22–23 t class (e.g. Pz.Kpfw.III/IV)
• Role: transport and recovery of tanks

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.