M25 Dragon Wagon 1:72 Academy 13409

Plastic military model kit: M25 Dragon Wagon 1:72 Academy 13409

The M25 Dragon Wagon plastic model kit in 1:72 scale from the renowned company Academy is an excellent choice for military modeling enthusiasts and World War II history buffs. This detailed set allows you to recreate one of the most iconic tank transporters used by the American army in 1944-1945.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Catalog number: 13409

History and technical background:

The M25 Dragon Wagon, also known as G160, is a combination of the heavy armored tractor M26 and the M15 trailer with a payload capacity of 40 tons. It was introduced into service in the American army in Europe at the end of World War II, in 1944-1945. Manufactured by Pacific Car and Foundry Co., it represented a significant improvement over the earlier Diamond T M19 transporter.

The M25 design was created in response to the need for a new tank transporter with better off-road capabilities and greater payload capacity than previous models. The trailer was designed by Fruehauf Trailer Company from Detroit, while the M26 tractor was designed by Knuckey Truck Company from San Francisco. Production was ultimately contracted to Pacific Car and Foundry Co. from Seattle.

The M26 tractor, designated as TR-1 by Pacific Car, was powered by a Hall-Scott 440 gasoline engine with a displacement of 17.9 liters, generating 240 HP. Equipped with an armored cabin and two winches with a total pulling force of 60 tons, the M26 could perform light rescue operations on the battlefield. The unarmored version of the tractor was designated as M26A1.

After the war, many of these vehicles, both armored and unarmored, were sold as military surplus and used for transporting oversized loads such as transformers, locomotives, and heavy equipment.

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.