1:35 Schwere Plattformwagen Type SSyms 80

Schwere Plattformwagen Type SSyms 80, a railway flatcar 1:35 (Trumpeter)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the German heavy railway flatcar Schwere Plattformwagen Type SSyms 80 in 1:35 scale from Trumpeter. Note that this is not a tank but a railway car onto which an armored vehicle can be loaded. The set also holds a section of track (ties and rails) and is laid out so that it can be joined to further sections of line to extend the scene.

The real subject

During the Second World War the railway was widely used to move heavy equipment over long distances: it was faster and kinder to both the equipment and the crews than driving under their own power. The heavy SSyms type flatcar with a capacity of around 80 tons was used to carry German heavy tanks such as the Panther and the Tiger, along with their supporting material. It therefore makes an ideal base for a railway and military diorama with a tank loaded on board.

Building and painting tips

Glue the plastic with thin modeling cement. Pay attention to the bogies and the running gear, which look fine at close quarters. The load deck of the car is made of planks, and the wood is brought out by underpainting, glazes and dry brushing, so that the texture of the boards stands out. Pick out the metal parts and the riveted structures with washes; weather the rails and the ties with rust and pigments. The whole car will take heavy service weathering: rust, grease and dust.

Who the model is for

• Builders of railway and military dioramas
• Collectors of German equipment of the Second World War looking for a companion to a tank
• Modelers who enjoy weathering wood, metal and track
• Anyone interested in an extendable scene with further sections of line

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