TAMIYA KIT NO. 35244
M26 ARMORED TANK RECOVERY
VEHICLE
This is an imposing kit to build, both from the size of the completed
vehicle and from the number of parts which exceed 400.
It is not a difficult model to construct, however it does require paying
close attention to the instructions. After
assembling the basic chassis, it is necessary to complete and paint the interior of the
cab, including decals before attaching the cab to the chassis. The directions call for the installation of the
wheels and tires when completing the chassis. However,
with the movable double axle assembly and the weight of the wheels and tires, I found it
easier to leave them off until after the chassis and cab were completed. I also did the painting and weathering of the
chassis and cab prior to beginning the assembly of the double winch, the A-arm and the
crane. The perforated metal exhaust guard
looks nice, however there needs to be a better way of attaching it to the exhaust stack. The instructions show to bend the guard around the
stack and tie at the top and bottom with the brass wire furnished. This left a gap in the center so I made an
additional wire tie in that point. The
exhaust guard, which is photo etched, is stiff and resists bending around the pipe. It would be better if 3 small metal rings could be
slipped over the guard at top, center and bottom to hold it. The instructions call for the exhaust to be
installed prior to installing the tandem winch assembly and then pulling the exhaust pipe backward to allow the
winch assembly to be fitted. I elected to
leave the exhaust off until after the winches were in place and that seemed to work out
ok. When attaching the chains to the crane
assembly and to the front bumper, the instructions said to tie the chains with the brass
wire. I found it looked better to use very
fine thread, make a small knot, seal the knot with super glue and then paint the knot with
steel paint.
After painting the exterior with Model Master Olive Drab enamel, I
covered the cab openings to protect the windshield and sprayed the model with Model Master
flat lacquer. Then I applied several coats of
Rustall Blackwash to give a dirty look and finished with Rustall rust in selected areas. I didn’t want a heavily weathered look. The rubber tires were sanded to remove the center
mold marks which was not easy to do, then the tread indentations were painted with Tamiya
Flat Earth and the excess wiped off. The
contact portions of the tires were dry brushed with flat black enamel. The metal chains were painted with steel enamel
and then several coats of Rustall were applied. The
winch cables are heavy white thread which I painted with steel enamel and dry brushed with
brown enamel to simulate rusted cable.
There was a rolled tarp to be installed on the cab roof. I enhanced this by attaching small wire tie downs
instead of the simulated tie downs molded into the roof and adding paper straps.
All in all, I enjoyed building this kit and would recommend it to
anyone interested in World War II U.S. Army equipment.
I am far from an accomplished model builder and am 76 years old, but I think
it turned out fairly well and I am pleased with the result.
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