Tamiya 35330 - 1:35 M561 Gama Goat US 6x6 Cargo Truck

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the U.S. M561 Gama Goat 6x6 off-road truck

Tamiya 35330 reproduces the M561 Gama Goat – an unusual U.S. articulated six-wheel-drive off-road truck. The vehicle consisted of two modules: a four-wheel tractor and a two-wheel cargo carrier, joined by a movable articulation joint that allowed the two parts to move independently. This let the Gama Goat cope superbly with rough terrain, while as an amphibian it could also cross water obstacles.

The model is made from new tooling, capturing the vehicle's characteristic two-module form. The movable articulation joint is reproduced using a poly cap that provides a realistic range of movement. The complex six-wheel suspension is designed so that assembly goes smoothly. An optional front windscreen and winch are included.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with the two vehicle modules
• Movable articulation joint on a poly cap
• Complex six-wheel suspension
• Optional front windscreen and winch
• One figure
• Decal sheet for three marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35330
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 170 mm, width: 62 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (complex suspension, movable joint)

Note: This kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

Thanks to the excellent part fit typical of Tamiya, the model is approachable even for less experienced builders, despite the complex running gear. The choice of fitting the optional front windscreen and winch is best made at the outset. The figure is best painted separately before being placed in the vehicle.

Paint colours are chosen according to the marking option – U.S. Olive Drab or NATO camouflage. Military vehicles are usually finished with a matt varnish, and the detail and recesses benefit from a wash and dry-brushing.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Polystyrene cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Optionally: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – M561 Gama Goat:

The M561 Gama Goat was developed in 1966 as an off-road, amphibious transport vehicle. Its key feature was the articulation joint connecting the four-wheel tractor with the two-wheel cargo carrier, allowing the two parts to move independently – extremely useful in rough terrain. The unusual name comes from Roger Gamaunt, designer of the key joint, and from its goat-like ability to overcome obstacles.

By 1973, around 14,000 examples had been built, used in various roles by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. These vehicles took part in, among other actions, the fighting in Grenada in 1983, and by the early 1990s most had been withdrawn from service.

Original specifications (M561 Gama Goat):

• Drive: 6x6
• Construction: two modules (tractor + cargo carrier) with a movable articulation joint
• Capability: amphibious
• Powerplant: diesel engine
• Role: transport and multi-purpose vehicle
• Production: 1966–1973, approx. 14,000 examples
• Service: U.S. Army and Marine Corps (including Grenada 1983)

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of the Japanese model industry. The company initially traded in timber, but from the late 1940s it produced wooden models, and in 1960 it launched its first plastic assembly kit. Two years later it introduced its iconic 1:35 scale tank, which set the worldwide standard scale for military modelling. The brand is renowned for exceptionally precise injection moulds and excellent part fit, which is why its kits are favoured by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this model belongs, comprises hundreds of items and is considered one of the most comprehensive 1:35 catalogues of military vehicles in the world. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling supplies: paints, glues, tools and brushes.