Like Dave said yesterday - it's ON!

For this Campaign, I decided to build the Pacific M26A1 and M15A1 Semi-Trailer combination. Donor kits will be the Trakz M26A1 Dragon Wagon Soft-Cab conversion that I reviewed for Armorama. This mates with Tamiya's M26 Armored Tank Revocery Vehicle kit. I will convert/update Tank Workshop's resin M15 Semi-Trailer into the M15A1 standard.

My Heavy Hauler's setting will be in the early-to-mid 1950's. Work has commenced and I'll use this thread to post in-progress through completion photos per Campaign guidelines.

Dave - I also asked Jim to setup a Group Association in the Campaign Forum to allow everyone's thread to be grouped into a Heavy Haulers section.

Gunnie

Thanks Gunnie that will be great. Also our good Mate Mr. Roo has set up a photo album in the Campaign gallery for our completed projects. I would suggest that only completed models be placed in this gallery. As Gunnie has stated the ongoing in progress photos should be posted either here or in the Truckarama forum. I would prefer posting them here in the campaign forum but I will leave it up to the discretion of the members.

The first cutting began on the M26A1 12-ton Tractor. This is the example I used to review the Trakz Soft Cab Conversion - so this Campaign is a natural motivator to include it in a project. I intend to model the tractor, semit-trailer, and cargo - all at the same time. I believe I will be able to bring in the project long before the deadline this way.

I haven't firmly decided on the cargo - yet...











Overall, I like the Trakz conversion. The master pattern is very well done and detailed. As with all resin cast products, there are going to be challenges along the way. The toughest part came in cleaning up the roll bar - lots of flashing and tubes that were cast out of round. This, coupled with the fine detail of tie-downs, bolts, and braces all cast where they're supposed to be, calls for care in not removing wanted detail(s).

I also felt compelled to go look at a real M26A1 to satisify some detail questions and fit concerns - like the soft cab actually doesn't fit flush to the frame/chassis in places. It's not 'water-tight' and you can see down through the floor. It is an interesting tractor...



I'm planning on uploading images of this particular M26A1 Tractor into this Gallery as I progress:

Trakz Soft Cab Comversion

Gunnie

nice start Gunnie. I look forward to seeing this masterpiece progress.

Cheers
Roo