British Scammell Pioneer Heavy Artillery Tractor R100 with 7.2 Inch Howitzer 1:35 Thunder Model 35212

Plastic military model kit: British Scammell Pioneer Heavy Artillery Tractor R100 with 7.2 Inch Howitzer 1:35 Thunder Model 35212

The Thunder Model 35212 assembly model depicts the British heavy artillery tractor Scammell Pioneer R100 with a 7.2 inch howitzer in 1:35 scale. It is an excellent proposition for military modeling enthusiasts and World War II history buffs. This model allows for the recreation of one of the key vehicles used by the British armed forces during this global conflict.

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Manufacturer: Thunder Model
• Catalog number: 35212

History and use of the Scammell Pioneer R100:

The Scammell Pioneer is a British 6×4 tractor that played a significant role during World War II. Initially designed as an off-road vehicle for use in British colonies where paved roads were lacking, the Pioneer was first produced in 1927. Although it did not have all-wheel drive, its long-travel suspension, excellent traction, and low-revving engine provided impressive pulling power on difficult terrain at low speeds.

In 1935, the heavy artillery tractor Pioneer R100 was introduced, which was used throughout World War II to tow medium and heavy artillery pieces. This vehicle could accommodate the gun crew, tools, equipment, and ammunition.

At the beginning of the war, the Pioneer R100 was used to tow medium guns such as the 60-pounders, 6-inch howitzers, 4.5-inch guns, and 5.5-inch howitzers, until sufficient numbers of medium artillery tractors AEC Matador were introduced. Among the heavy guns towed by the Pioneer R100 were 6-inch guns, 8-inch howitzers, 155 mm Long Tom guns, and 7.2-inch howitzers.

During the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) from France in June 1940, many Pioneer tractors were lost – destroyed by retreating troops or captured by the Germans. By the end of the war, Scammell had produced 980 heavy artillery tractors Pioneer R100. Due to the insufficient number of these vehicles, from late 1943, the Pioneer was supplemented by the heavy artillery tractor Albion CX22S.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.