1:35 Famo

Sd.Kfz.9 FAMO (1:35, Tamiya)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the heavy German half-track artillery tractor Schwerer Zugkraftwagen 18t (Sd.Kfz.9) FAMO in 1:35 scale from Tamiya. The model represents the massive 18-ton half-track with its long load bed. According to the manufacturer it contains a towing drawbar and crew figures. Check the exact contents and the decals against the manufacturer's part number for this item.

The real subject

The Sd.Kfz.9 FAMO was the largest and heaviest half-track tractor of the German army in the Second World War. It was developed to tow heavy artillery and above all to recover and tow tanks. Thanks to its pulling power it could tow even heavy armored vehicles, and for that it often worked in pairs. It was marked by its long tracked running gear, steerable front wheels and an open or partly covered cab with a load bed for the crew and cargo.

Building and painting tips

Glue the parts with liquid cement for plastic, and assemble and paint the tracked running gear and the chassis before you finish the body. According to the manufacturer the engine side panels and the rear doors can be built either open or closed. Apply a primer and the paint with an airbrush; both the gray of the early period and the later dark yellow camouflage can be used. Pick out the engraving and the running gear with a wash and build up the mud and dust effects with pigments, especially on the tracks and the wheels.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of German rear-area and artillery vehicles
• Modelers who appreciate a large and detailed half-track
• Anyone interested in recovery and tractor vehicles
• Builders of dioramas with tank recovery and artillery

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.