The angle on the front struts of the TAKOM aren't adjustable.

The Trumpeter sit flat in the raised position.

The TAKOM axles are more bulky and have more detail.

The Trumpeter axles are just a straight beam with out any detail.

Now for the wheels and tires.

The Trumpeter Wheels measure 16.5 mm. & the Tires 35 mm. Diameter.
Tme TAKOM Wheels measure 17.5 mm. & the Tires 38 mm. Diameter.
That's quite a size difference.
That's all for now.
Donald

There is a nice engine, although the fit isn't really great.

I have the engine and front axle with the steering parts installed.

I was going to make the steering operable, but the fit of the parts is way to sloppy, the wheels would be pointed in all directions.
I glued it in place.


That's it for now.
Donald

I have the frame assembled, I am going to have to make some changes.
This kit is turning into a real PAIN IN THE BACKSIDE


For starters the Main & Secondary Drive Shafts are too long and need to be shortened.

The braces for the rear axles, one is short and the other is to long.
They are in the right places.
The instructions had the rear axles reversed, it's good I caught this in time.

This kit does have a MAGIC ENGINE (Ha Ha Ha ) There are only TWO pins that go into the top edge of the oil pan to hold and support the Engine and Transmission.

The angle of the main drive shaft from the Engine is at a really sharp angle.




Now I'm back to chopping
Donald

I did a little scratch building, it's probably not 10 percent right.
I know that so I don't need to hear from the Experten.


I added a rear support for the rear of the transmission.

I think it looks good enough.
Now back to more of this kit, It was a big mistake ever buying it.
Donald

Hey I could always take it outside and stomp on it.

The Sub assemblies

You will have to enlarge the notches on the frame where the spare tire mount goes.

I made some exhaust pipe mounts, don't know if they are right or not (Good enough)

I'll be working on the Cab next, I hope that it's better fitting.
Donald

I decided to work on the wheels of the Tractor while the cab pieces were drying.
The Wheel Rims don't fit together very good.

I reamed the inside edge of the inside half of the rim.

You will also have to trim slightly the square tab on the outside rim half.

The instructions would have you use a whole wheel with the axle parts for the spare that is mounted on the Tractor, it should be just a rim.

The Wheels with the Tires test fitted.


After you have the tires on the rim, just squeeze the tire to pop it out to the edges of the rim.

The cab assembly. The drivers seat mount is very tricky to assemble.

I first assembled the dash board & glued it to the front part of the cab, then assembled the drivers seat mount to the floor then added the rear part using the doors to position it.


That's all for now.
Donald

WOW!! Thanks for this amazing blog. I have to admit i'm sorely tempted to grab one of these to use as a display base for my soviet stuff... I can't wait to see the finished product.

I wouldn't recommend this kit. If you want a Tank Transporter I would get the Trumpeter kit there are two versions if I remember right.
I almost trashed this kit today. I couldn't get the cab to fit. I cut away most of the engine to get it on the frame.
You can't see the engine anyway as there is no provision for opening the hood.
Donald

I got the cab fitted to the frame, there is no support under the cab, just the side walls of the engine compartment.

Here is what I removed from the engine to get the cab to fit to the frame.
The front part of the cab doesn't fit together to good. I figured it would be easier to assemble it off the frame, then add it.

I have the cab interior painted. There are nice Decals for the Dash board.


Painted the engine & Frame Flat Black.


I'm tired of this.
Donald

What has happened to Takom? I've built two of there prior kits and everything fit well. I guess the b-team was involved....or maybe the DML Black Label team....lol.....Too bad about this kit.

I think they have the Dragon people writing their instruction sheets for this one.
I dont know, maby I'm way to fussy, i havent been this frustrated since the Panzer IV kit from Tristar that I started earlier and gave up on. Maby some one else could do better with this kit.
Donald

Wellllll.... So much for my comment about the engineering of this kit! Too bad. I hope you'll stick with it and it doesn't get trashed...

The turbo on the engine looks nice



Chris

It's in the paint shop.

another coat of Green to apply when this one cures.
Donald

Looks good under a coat of paint.

The Windows are painted & installed in the Cab.
The Cab is now permanently mounted to the frame.

Still working on it.
Donald

I just removed the masking from the clear parts, it looks pretty good.

There is an open space under the floor of the Cab,no support for the floor at all.

The spare tire fits in its carrier very snugly you have to work it in a little at a time by squeezing the tire.

The headlights came out nice. Some Bare Metal Foil behind them, then white glue on the lenses for a mask. Just peal off the white glue after painting, and this is how they came out.

Back to work.
Donald

It's all finished FINALLY

First the Tractor, now the Trailer.

Now Together.