Now that Hobby Lobby has their 1/2 sale going on I'm tempted to pick up a Dragon Wagon. I understand it's the version that only has the Cab, no trailer, but you can't beat the price. I'm wondering what people think of this model. I have Shep Paine's books on modeling and he mentions what a dog the Dragon Wagon model he has is and I wouldn't want to pay that kind of money for a turkey.

I think the model mentioned in the Paine book is the old version. An old release.

I have not built the new Tamiya version, but from what I hear it is very, very good.

50% off would be great.

Steve

The Tamiya M26 Recovery Vehicle is absolutely awesome.

The project is still a fairly substantial one though.

If you like to superdetail, this kit is just overwhelming. There are so many areas that can be detailed with the open suspension and all the winches and don't forget the cab.

Here's a really cool website about the Dragon Wagon that should be helpful with seeing all the details.

http://www.ferreamole.it/images/Dragon/m25_dw_01.htm

Later,
Tim

Having built the combination - I'd agree with Tim's sentiments. I think the DW is a wonderful kit - and I wish I had a Hobby Lobby close by - 50% off is a fantastic price. The M26 Tractor took me 7/8's the total time to build out of the combination - that's how much is there in comparison. The semi-trailer was almost an afterthought.

It's a very nice model - impressive when complete - and a vast area for detailing and superdetailing. You could easily spend a couple of months messing around with it - and still not be "finished".

Gunnie

Roger, (or anyone interested)

I have a Tamiya M-26 Tank Recovery Vehicle kit (the Dragon Wagon tractor) that I'm about to list on eBay. The kit is probably the most impressive injection molded armor kit I have ever seen but I'm not into recovery vehicles and I got this kit as a raffle prize. Retail on the kit is $90. I'll let mine go for $39 + $5.75 shipping (within the US). I also have the Allied-Axis #3 book on tank transporters, which covers the German Famo and the Dragon Wagon in great detail. The book retails for $16 and let mine go with the kit for another $10 (add $1.50 to the shipping).

I want to list them soon so let me know if you are interested.

So why is it called Dragon Wagon? Is it because the cabin looks like a dragon's head?

No it's called "Dragon Wagon" because of the distinctive and quite loud noise the engine makes when revving up and switching gear. Tim-the-ToolMan-Taylor's famous 'more power' slogan is an understatement when it comes to the way this tractor sounded coming down the road.

It's successor, the Mack M123, also inherited the nickname "Dragon Wagon" - not only because it replaced the original Pacific Tractors, but because it's engine was extremely loud too. Truckers say you can hear this beast coming down the road - a quarter of a mile away or more - easily. It's reported that nothing sounded quite like these two tractors - before or since, hence their nicknames.

Gunnie

The one Shep Paine did was an extensively modified MAX model, which was a piece of junk, so I can't explain why they sell for $150 on ebay. Shep had to rip that thing into a billion pieces to get it accurate.

I am doing my third DW from Tamiya, and I can't get enough of them. I am hoping to get another one also. They go together incredibly easy and look awesome with only a little TLC. I have lenty of resources if you need them.

Rob

The kit is a
MUST BUY
I have the tractor and trailer.If you arent great with photoetch,no worries.By itself,it is a must have with any armor collection.But if you buy it,BUILD IT!

I have both the Tamiya and the Peerless Max Dragon Wagons. There is absolutely no comparison. Tamiya's is excellent and Peerless Max's isn't....just plain isn't. Half price sale...best to buy 2.

I feel the same way I have the full kit and bought the tractor anyway. Could make it like the picture on box and have it tow a Sherman or the other tractor brokedown
Get one for they go bye bye.

Both of Tamiya's Dragon Wagon kits are excellent straight out of the box and with a little TLC can be made downright awesome.

Not to discount Gunnie's explanation, but I always thought the Dragon Wagon got its nickname because it was always draggin' stuff around.

Speaking of draggin' stuff, there are many pics out there of M26s towing captured Panthers, which gives a modeling option to the OD-impaired.

Gunnie, thanks for the info. I had no idea this thing was so loud I would like to get my hands on one of those kits but $100 is a bit steep.

Hiya Marty. I think the Dragon Wagon is one of Tamiya's best, and when you can buy it with 50% discount, it's not a if... but a MUST!

All the best, John.

Yes, the DW got its nickname from the throaty loudness of its powerplant - not because it hauled a lot of stuff. That's where "DRAGON" comes from. It was a very interesting tractor. When I got mine I thought $100+ bucks was steep too. Still do actually. But, if you can get one for around $80 - then I think it's a really good deal. For me, the real highlight of the kit is the Tractor, it's something special.

Gunnie

Thank you all. The closest Hobby Lobby was out of it but I still have two more to try. Now I'll have to also pick up the Tamiya Panther to tow behind the thing. You know what they say, the only good Panther is a knocked out one. Only kind of German stuff I build.

I can also promote the kit...

..and if you are patient, you can pick up the full Dragon Wagon kit for around $50-$60 on ebay or at shows...I have two full kits I got for that. I also got the M26 recovery version for $41...so patience will get you what you want if Hobby Lobby is out.

And the Dragon Wagon is as good or better than the Famo and trailer I am finishing right now, so sleep peacefull

I went to Hobby Lobby this morning to get my DW.

All I can say is "Wow!" :-)

This thing is beautiful. Crisp, sharp, flash-free sprues. Fine engraved details, great textured sufaces. Some PE, metal tubing, string, and the great looking tires. (even with the seam on 'em)

I think I'll give the box a place of respect on my shelf until I start it. :-)

YodaMan

I got a buddie who has been putting together the DW for 2 years now, but it is one pretty nice kit, if you get it expect to take a while on it. its a good kit though, and well worth the buy.

wow, two years? I have spent a little over a month ob the one I am doing and have a few details in the cab and the winches left. I have even weathered th chassis some.

Rob

yeah two years, but it also has not been finished yet. But he is also going off and on for the two years.