A very welcome kit. Its actually the Thunder Model Styrene version of the LZ Resin release from a while ago. These wagons were actually Russian 60tons platform wagons. Brought to Germany. Refitted for the Reichsbahn into the Spezial Wagen Group SSy, Gattung Köln. Markings show that. You see DR Ru Köln 55631 Ssyl. Ru stands for Russian, but also a different brake system, Russian Matrossov Brake system. Another aspect is that the bogies are "American Style". Original design of these wagons, you guessed it already, was in fact American. The picture below show a captured Russian version, mounted with Flak. A very nice diorama setting I would say. And another option. Also Russian. Great diorama setting I would say. Last one is Panther G I believe, this time it is a Ssyl some where in Europe. Options, options, options. Kind regards, Robert Jan

LZ models also had a 60t Russian flat car kit. Was there any difference between that and the German version they released that Thunder Models is now making? I've got some pipe dream scratchbuilds involving Russian 50t or 60t flatcars that I've been on the fence about scratching or waiting for the proper base kits.

Hi James. The releases of recent Thunder Model Rail Cars, like G10, G15, including the Ssyl and a Tank wagon that were announced, all were original build in resin by LZ. I think Thunder had a lot of help from Libor. Decals on the Ssyl show the same Serial Number of the wagon for example. Kits are almost identical to the resin ones. Basically the Ssyl is the same as the Russian version. Coupling and Brake system, as mention are different and the wheels got fitted to European Gauge tracks. For me it is a bit confusing if it is 60tons, like you mentioned with the Russian version, is it 60tons or 50tons. Will have to check that. Maybe standards of the Reichsbahn were different, that in fact is where I'm almost sure, but check it first. Kind regards, Robert Jan

Thanks Robert. Good to hear there's no major differences. Fixing the gauge wouldn't be too hard, and the brake system isn't a big deal for me. The couplings would be visible though, so I'd have to do something there. Not too concerned if it's the 50 ton or 60 ton, everything I've seen make's me think they are the same, and in the end the railcar while serve as a base for a major conversion so as long it's roughly the same size it should all be good.

You're welcome.

Being an old school guy, I have 2 resin kits of this model ! Libor can thank me !

Hi Eric. You'll have some good and accurate masters. I ordered them, but sold out, so Libor's wife told me to wait for this one to be released. Are you planning to build the resins? Kind regards, Robert Jan

Good afternoon, Have just received the Thunder Model SSyl. Noticed that there is no track included. Of the Dragon or Trumpeter track sets, which would work better? Or does Thunder Model have their own? Best regards, Alan

Searching for info on this Wagon, I stumbled over this post from a while ago. I finally received the model from Chine 2 weeks ago. Having a blast building it. Only a few week spots, which are the wheels and they need sone extra work IMHO. Fit is just excellent> The bogies are absolutely a class of their own. To answer the question on the tracks, no Thunder don't have them. I go for MiniArt. little expensive but good scale height of the rail. Bolts and mounting plates are also top class. Will use mine for a diorama setting with FLAK 88 on transport.