Though I know its too late for my people, I would love to see some affordable kits of these vehicles as they were the most commonly used trucks. Key word affordable, since I know Hobby Link and AFV Club are on the high end. I know the market is not big since everybody seems to want either WW2 Panzers or modern kits. Just a Christmas dream!! Wayne
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Which ones are you talking about? Second World War, so things like GMC CCKW and Dodge WC-series “Beeps”? Or maybe Vietnam-era M35 and M37 trucks?
If the former, then the affordable choice for either is Italeri.
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For WW2 CCKW 2-1/2 ton trucks in 1:35 there is Tamiya’s open-cab truck, Italeri open-cab and closed-cab trucks (and water tanker), Heller’s open-cab truck, and a range of trucks by Hobby Boss. The first three brands are all affordable, while Hobby Boss is at least 50% more expensive.
Dodge “beeps” (the WC series 3/4 tonners) are more of a problem - some of them are ancient MAX kits now under the Italeri brand, but the rest are either AFV Club or MiniArt (I won’t touch Zvesda at the moment) - both in the “more expensive” camp.
For more modern stuff it looks like AFV Club is about it, but as you say they aren’t cheap.
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aaaannnnd they have shape issues with the cab which can be roughly described as the hinges of the doors are too far back causing the doors to look squashed and the fenders are too long. The easiest way to fix it is to use a Tamiya or Italeri cab.
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As you’ve categorised this within the Cold War, I note that the AFV Club M35 retails, on average, at around £30 (UK price) - I don’t think that’s too punishing, and certainly not “high-end”.
I also note that Roden’s M37 goes for a little more - for some reason - a not especially easy build but the only game in town as an injected kit.
So there you have it, both fairly available I feel.
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Yes, I was referring to VN era. For the M35A1 you have to get the Nancy kit to get the older exhaust and the fender still has the hole for the A2 version. And the reviews of the Roden kit made me leery of it. I know I’m being picky, but after so long it’s just my venting, sorry. Wayne
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What is affordable?
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Unfortunately on my fixed income and budget, I have to limit my buying, especially since I’m an impulsive buyer. I try to find deals . Wayne
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I think almost everyone here looks for deals and buys on impulse.
Cheap models are good for all of us so good luck! Maybe Takom?
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So, as a comment, are the frame bows the same on the WW2 and later 2 1/2s and 5tons the same and if so would they be a good subject for 3d? Also possibly the bows and rolled up top And the same for the M37? I know we used them set up that way. Wayne
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I doubt it - although the basic shape of the bows is the same the cargo beds were probably slightly different widths, despite looking the same. (But others would know more than me…) Without looking at pics of whatever truck you’re interested in, I would think the bows would be easy enough to CAD and 3D print, but unless you have your own printer that would add quite a bit to the cost!
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When I put things on here I sometimes forget that I am talking to more experienced and talented people than myself. My scope is limited to my VN experiences, with some Desert Storm things for some of my younger Veteran friends. I do the best I can. Hope you all understand. Wayne
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Sorry, way past my talents and cost abilities
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I hesitate to say this, but the other cheap game for a VN truck is the old Monogram (now sold by Revell) “Eager Beaver” M34 or M35 truck. It is crude by today’s standards, and I think is more 1:32 than 1:35 scale. Its sole benefit is that it comes with a plastic “canvas” cover…
I think you might get more info if you settle on a type of truck to ask about - M34, M35, etc, or describe what you want to achieve. That way folks here can focus their advice to be more helpful. There are a number of regulars here with a background in trucks, and a number of vets who drove them!
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I bought three different Roden kits as they do represent the 3/4 tons I drove when I first joined the Canadian military in 73, I would love to get a Canadian Duece and a half, Different from the American kits, I’ve only seen one that was 3 D printed and it scared me too much to buy one.
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