Time to kick the starter.
Here is my build - most futuristic vehicle of WWII in my opinion - M25 Dragon Wagon 1/35 from Tamiya.
Dragon Wagon was combination of M26 tractor and M15 trailer and by specs was able to carry 40-ton loads. Real life shown that it was able to carry monstrous loads like Jagdtiger, however no mention how the vehicle survived this extreme experience.
My model will depict vehicle from Independent 458th Ordnance Maintenance Company in March 1945, Holland with invidual name "Cat Mouse". It was used to transport LVT-4's from british 79th Armored Division just prior Rhine crossing in March 1945 (Operation Plunder) - so it will be the load.
Besides Tamiya's Dragon Wagon model I will use Eduard's sets and will do some scratchbuilding of missing details. LVT-4 still I need to buy (early type with glass cuppola over hatches), but I'm equipped with Bison's decal sheet for the vehicle. Some photos for the beginning.

I'm looking forward to seeing that beast coming together, Damian! Nice choice.

Hi,

Here's mi dated pic. I'll start right away.

Cheers.

Raul

Kitmaker Campaign Gallery:

HERE !!

Dragon takes a shape slowly. Fit is nice, as expected from Tamiya, parts have easy to remove form seams, with some sinkholes and ejectror pins. All is filled if visible later on.
I build most of the suspension and transmission to check how it will fill the frame space. It doesn't look bad at all, but still lacks of complexity of the real vehicle. Especially engine area has a big gaps on the sides which normally are filled with engine fittings like compressor, fuel pump, oil and fuel filters and all wiring and piping. Of course I will not build the full engine, but only components possible to spot from the bottom. I will add also pulley system for gearbox and auxiliary transmission gear, electric and pneumatic lines. That will create some busy space there.
Meanwhile, this is how it looks for now:

Well it's been some time that I posted any builds here on Armorama. Over the last few years (3) I have built many. I thought it be fun to join in on this campaign. For my entry I'll be scratchbuilding a 1/35th M747 Army 60ton semi-trailer. I just finished up my scale drawing in millimeters this evening and will be posting in the next day or two.

Happy Modeling,
Joe

Damian, I recommend adding front axle retainer bolt heads to the Dragon Wagon - just a suggestion:



And also a couple of nice extra winch details available from Shapeways for your Dragon Wagon: (Only $8.00 USD for the pair plus shipping.)

Yes, these bolts are so prominent that it is surprising that model miss it - obviously I will add them.

Winch cover look nice, but comparing to the photos foundry name is way too big.

Here's my starter picture.

I'll be doing a 1/35 Zvezda Soviet Gaz-AAA Truck (#3547) pulling a 1/35 Miniart Field Kitchen KP-42 (#35098). The Zvezda truck is an older kit. I had originally bought it to use in an ice road scene but decided to use it here instead. The Miniart kit comes with their Soviet Soldiers at Rest figure set, but I doubt I'll use them for this build.

I'll get started on these once I get a few other projects caught up.


EDIT: Re-hosted photo.

Hi,

I’ve started with the truck. I’ll build three main sub assemblies.

This will further simplify extra detailing and painting.

Neither of the three sub assemblies are finished here.

The fit of parts is average, some putty will be required for sure.




It's a nice kit anyway!

Cheers

Raul

Hi all,
My entry to this campaign:



Some parts of the kit were fixed about a month ago because I can't stop my will.
Regards,
K.

Now that's one build I'll be definitely watching, K!

Oh, thanks Cristian.
It can take a long time to complete it.
Regards,
K.

OK, I'm almost ready to add another puppy to the Kennel, a nice Krupp Protze...




Looking forward to a relaxing Tamiya Kit after 2 months of Dragon and AFV...;-)

This will be my entry

Whoa! Glad I saw this now, because I just started a truck for an eventual diorama. I hope that this is not too far along! It'll be nice to be in the same boat/truck bed as everyone else in this campaign. Still not sure if I'm going to put troops in it, or keep the tarp on. ...there are some nasty ejector marks to deal with.

Steve-o, what will be your trailer to go with the Mercedes????????????????????

Awesome choice Chris!

I build the hard topped version as a British 8th Army RASC vehicle hauling a Sherman III last year. Was about the rough equivalent of three kits but I had no problems with much of anything. Good luck and have fun, I'll for sure be following your build with a close eye.
Cheers,
Rick

And here is my entry, a jeep and trailer combo using the Tamiya Jeep and the Bronco 10 CWT trailer.
Cheers,
Rick

Here's the kit, ready to go. Unfortunately, it will be another 6-8 weeks before I will be able to start.



Closeup of my phone showing the date from Google.

As I wll go beyond out-of-box building and add some details to my Dragon Wagon here is my main wisdome source. Squadron's Walk Around book is really ok, but lacking some important details - well, important to me. Tankograd's book rises the bar of insanity to another level. This is sort of book making you excited when you take first look into it, but on the second thought you are thinking... OMG what I just have done to myself...
At least this is what I felt, when I picked up this book from the mailbox couple minutes back. Such a great ending of a day :-)

No shortage of wheels with this thing. Not real thrilled with the fit of the tires to the rims.

I was able to switch my build plans and got started on the kit today. Pic showing steps 1-3 completed. Only 54 more steps to go!

A bit more progress on the trailer





So far this is the worst fit area needing extra attention

Chris,
That's a lot of wheels, forgot how tedious they were!! Didn't have the same fit issue you are, sorry to hear it. I use wood working clamps, not quite the most delicate of tools but they do the job!

Cheers,
Rick