US Heavy Wrecker Ward Lafrance Model 1000 - Series 3 1:35 Thunder Models 35011

Plastic military model kit: US Heavy Wrecker Ward Lafrance Model 1000 - Series 3 1:35 Thunder Models 35011

The US Heavy Wrecker Ward LaFrance Model 1000 - Series 3 model kit in 1:35 scale from Thunder Models is a detailed replica of one of the most important military vehicles used during World War II.

Contents of the set:

• 7 sprues with 575 plastic parts
• 8 clear elements
• Photo-etched parts (PE)
• 8 3D printed parts
• Decals
• Scale ropes and chains

Model features:

• Optional front bumper with handles and pole
• Additional recovery equipment

Historical background: The Ward LaFrance Truck Corporation, founded by Addison Ward LaFrance in 1916 in Elmira Heights, NY, was a well-known American manufacturer of trucks and fire equipment. The company ceased operations in 1979. During World War II, Ward LaFrance supplied over 5000 trucks for military service. The M1 model, a heavy wrecker weighing 10 tons, with 6×6 drive and a 6-cylinder Continental engine, was produced both by Ward LaFrance and Kenworth from 1941 to 1945.

The first type, M1, was standardized in July 1941 and used cabs made of steel modeled after civilian vehicles. The later version, M1A1, produced from 1943, had an open cab with a folding canvas roof. M1s were produced in five different models (Series 1, Series 2, Series 3, Series 4, and Series 5). Series 3, introduced in 1942 after Series 2, included 365 wreckers that went to the British Army. A total of 698 wreckers from Series 2 and 3 were delivered under contract. Series 3 wreckers did not have front and rear air connections for trailers, and many were originally painted in Colorado Tan and then repainted in the field in British colors. Vehicles from serial number 422624 were equipped with a reinforced front bumper with handles and pole.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (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.