I saw what I call a wrecker truck at the National. Thought I might want to build one. Haven't tracked down a kit, was there ever one? Figured I could kitbash onto one of those Italrie 5 tons. Saw a resin conversion kit somewhere can't remember where but that the price was way out of the desire range I have for this. Any body got any ideas or knowledge?

Sounds like the Hobby Fan conversion for the Italeri M923A1 5 ton truck to make the M936A2ww 5 ton wrecker. I've noticed many inaccuracies in completed models, but they look great to the casual observer.

Hey Blaster...check eBay...Revell did a "Military Wrecker" on the M32 chassis in 1/32 scale years ago...it can be found for a fair price and can be converted. Saw a article in Fine Scale Modeler a few years ago where this was done. It is definately cheaper than the HabbyFan route...but the whole revell kit is fairly basic.

Rob, just off the top of your head, what are some of the major inaccuracies? I have the HobbyFan kit, and need to know if I am going to have to do major surgery to get it to look right or if I can live with just the conversion.

I've seen the photos of the five ton wreacker at the nats, It is the hobby fan conversion with a aftermarket engine also. If hobby fans conversion is too expansive, I belive that Real models makes a conversion also, I know they make a whole M54 wrecker for the price of the hobby fan conversion.

I didn't know of any inaccuratices in the Hobbyfan conversion,But I did look into the Revell wrecker and found it to be unsuable, its 32nd scale insteade of 35 scale and its missing a ton of details
Vince

Mad-duck, do you know a dealer that sells either of these Real models items? Accuracy is important up to a point, but perfection is not required. I'm keeping an eye out for the old Renwall kit. Found a civilian version I think, but in no time it was up to $60 and I'm not paying that up front unless I can see what I'm getting.

Mission models has the Real Models converisons. They have the M936 Wreaker for $90.00 and a whole M54 series wrecker for 165.00! which isn't bad since I paid 140.00 just for the hobbyfan conversion, for 15 bucks more you get the whole kit.
note I have never ordered from Mission Models before and have no connections to them
Vince

Thanks mad duck I'll be checking them out. I had mission models website written down, so somone gave them a recomendation.

The Revell kit is quite an eye catcher.I saw it in a big lots store back in '91 but didn't pick it up figuring I'd come back-I never did .

on the subject, I took a good look at the Hobby Fan kit, a MR kit of the M932 (the 5th wheel version of the M923), and a couple of M923A1and A2 wheels sets. I also perused the old Revell M32 5 ton wrecker kit. Here are my conclusions:

I do NOT have the MR M923 wrecker kit to compare to, sorry.

The Hobby fan kit is better cast than the MR kits I have, both in general casting quality (MR uses a strange resin that is greena nd more brittle AND more prone to warping) and in detail level. A specific point, which is why I looked at the wheel sets, is this: MR does not have any sidewall details, either tyre manufacturer name or even have the tread extend down the side. This means you have tyres that look a little strange when built, or else have to buy a new set of replacements. Now I admit that things may have changed since I bought my M932 kit, but I have heard from others more recently of worse quality control issues.

This is not intended to throw people off MR and onto Hobby Fan, who I think have WAAAAYYY overpriced their kits, but to give due warning: MR is not hobby fan at a reasonable price...it has more flaws. I am not sure of accuracy of either kit though.

The Revell kit is basic. The crane, the eye cather, is basic. With some love, and styrene strip, it can be made GREAT. I know it is 1/32, but I have seen the back deck transposed to the chassis of the Italeri M923 and it looks godd. I doubt operators fo the vehicle would be entirely happy, but NORMAL modelers should not be able to tell the difference without a plethora of references. So I would not give up all hope on the Revell kit, but again, understand that it requires the most work of all, aside from scratchbuilding.

Now I had intended on taking the revell kit and adding it to the Italeri M923. Then I got lucky and was able to get the Hobby Fan kit cheap (well, figuratively). Unless the hobby fan kit is MAJORLY wrong, I have no intention of getting the MR kit since I am not entirely pleased with their casting vs. the cost of thier kits.

Now everyone go build one of these vehicles, one way or another!

Okay Jaques, here is the 64 dollar question. Do you know where I can find the Revell kit? You wouldn't perchance have one you are willing to part with? What is the going price on this kit as I assme it is OOP?

as far as I know, the kit has been OOP since 1991 or so...(man is it wierd to think of 1991 as 12 years ago...sheesh, I was JUST THERE, I SWEAR!)

Anyhow, best bet is to try ebay.

I have one kit that I bought with the engine already built, I am not sure I am ready to part with it just yet.

here is an eBay item that may give you a better look into the kit, but this is no longer for sale...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3136063794&indexURL=4#ebayphotohosting

Just an aside, armored recovery vehicles are in many casea as interesting as a wrecker. They are also a lot easier to find at this time.
capnjock

Hello Greyhunter...yes, i screwed up here too...I have to walk over 20 FEET to reach the computer from where I have the models, so you know I just cannot remember these things...Yeesh, old age is setting in... #:-)

Anyhow, it looks like the tires on the RM conversion are not so great, like the ones I have on my M931...anyone have this kit? Can they comment on its accuracy? i am starting to get the itch to buy it...dangit!