I also noted that the inclined trailer ramps in real life were spaced closer together than on the model. The ramps should align almost perfectly with the width of the legs on the fifth wheel.



It appears to me that the mounting flanges on these ramps are wider than on the model so that when the ramps are bolted onto the vehicle they extend further towards the centerline of the truck.


I therefore lengthened the right and left mounting flanges on the trailer ramps while shortening the two rods that bridge between the ramps.

Better photos:

A sad scene but perhaps some detail references can come of it!
(Photo by Kranz)

Found online:

Sorry, but mine still needs a lot of work:

Again from 0Paperinik a PAPER model - scale unknown!

Touching again on the correct driveline for the MAZ-537:

I highly recommend this gentleman's website as he has done a fantastic job of rendering this vehicle.

http://www.bart300872.republika.pl/index.html

Sheet metal support structure from the firewall (just behind the cab) on back. This illustration shows the final production version that has no cover over the gas tanks.

I am sorry, I don't mean to keep knocking a kit that has clearly had a lot of high quality molding effort put into it's production but I just keep finding glaring errors in this model.

Just this weekend I discovered (as have others) that the winch housing needs to be moved almost a HALF INCH off center towards the passenger side of the the vehicle.

The Trumpeter kit exactly centers the winch housing which is plain and simply WRONG!

Clearly the winch structure is off-set right to allow the winch cable exit to be closer to the centerline of the vehicle.

I have spoken previously about the paper model of the MAZ-537. Now download the FREE (and completely legal) 31 page pdf of this highly detailed and accruate 1/35th scale model from E63 Paper Models at:

http://papermau.blogspot.com/2014/02/maz-537g-combat-vehicle-paper-model-by.html



This free plan set from E63 Modelli de Carta offers fantastic reference information and the printed flat parts can be used as full sized 1/35th construction templates to scratch build any extra detail you may wish to add to your plastic model.

The set includes a complete engine, full radiator and fan detail, A CORRECT DRIVELINE, and a complete winch interior as well! This download is a real bonus find for anyone wishing to super detail their MAZ!

Check out Richard Pottier's work on correcting the MAZ-537 winch assembly at:
(Be sure to scroll down - don't get hung up on the nice BMP.)

http://www.pienoismallit.net/keskustelut/4948_1-35-suomi-couple-bmp-1-maz-537/?offset=30

Beautiful execution by Florian Zehe:

Moving forward with the construction of my transfer case and transmission for the MAZ-537:

Left front 3/4 view above

Rear view of transfer case

Top rear view of the new transmission and transfer case:


Last step is to add the driveshaft between the Transmission and the transfer case. That's it laying up on the fender at the top of the photo. Gotta get it over to Burtonsville Performance Engineering to have it shortened and balanced and we will be ready for a test run! ;-)D

While Burtonsville is working on the driveshaft I will be adding the lubricator lines and brake hoses.

Proceeding with the rebuilding of the winch housing. Moving it off-center to the right and adding more detail.

Moving the winch housing is a subtle change but I think the asymmetrical aspect of this large feature gives a lot more visual interest to the vehicle.

Great article on the MAZ-537 in the May issue of "Classic Military Vehicle magazine.



The magazine is available from your book seller or online electronically at Pocketmags.

Progress on the driveline:

and on the winch drive:



The winch housing will remain removable so I can pose the 537 with or without the winch.

Nice work. I can't wait to finish my Abrams so I can start mine now I know more about super detailing it was fun the 1st time but someone broke it so I went out an got everything imaginable and had the person who broke it pay for it So we'll see how my MAZ 537 goes with all the aftermarket stuff now added.

Thanks William. I am excited at how well the tranny and transfer case are going. Can't wait to get on with the engine build, I am starting with the Verlinden T-55 resin engine set though I may have to buy two b/c I will need two big radiators.

I think someone makes an engine set for the MAZ, I have seen photos online, but I have yet to find it for sale.

Coming along!



With the winch.

and without it.

Finish detailing on the transfer case:




Center lines running to the right in the last photo are lube hoses.