After introducing you to the PTS-2 amphibious tracked transporter, today we’ll continue with the PMM-2M pontoon bridge ferry. This vehicle was introduced into the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany (GSFG) in the early 1980s, along with the PTS-2. Like the PTS-2, it was developed based on the T-64 main battle tank. The model is being built, as always, in 1:35 scale. The starting kits are again T-64 kits from Trumpeter and a PTS-M kit from Panzer Shop. The tank tracks are, as usual, from Friul. The PTS-M kit is very well suited for such model conversions. The model will be built so that the two pontoons can be opened, thus demonstrating the ferry’s operational state.
Here are some pictures of the ferry and the beginning of the model’s construction.
Regards lkwman
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Jeez Joachim, is there anything you can’t build?
As Robin identifies, another amazing project! We’ll be watching for sure.
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This is going to be one cool vehicle.
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I’d like to thank all the model builders who responded to this thread. I hadn’t expected such a large turnout for this model. Regarding BootsDMS’s question about whether there’s a model I can’t recreate, I’d say every model can be recreated with proper preparation. This one is no exception. I started working on this vehicle some time ago and created the corresponding 1:35 scale plans. It’s a complex model, no doubt about it. Especially concerning the deployment of the pontoons, which the model aims to replicate. The mechanics involved were a true masterpiece for the designers, one that’s hard to find today. The engineering of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany (GSFG) has always been my main interest in model building, and seeing the real thing during the Cold War was a real pleasure. The military liaison missions of that era were no different. BootsDMS would know more about this than I do. That would be a whole new topic for discussion here, with plenty to talk about.
Here are some pictures of the construction progress.
Regards, lkwman
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Well, that’s very gracious of you Joachim - thank you.
Keep at it - we love your work.
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Today, after a long break, here’s an update on the PMM-2M model build. Progress is slow; I lack the time and motivation to continue. I want to emphasize again that this is not a 3D model. All parts are either scratch-built by me or sourced from other kits. Meanwhile, I’ve discovered a Russian model maker who creates this model in 3D. I won’t be able to achieve that level of perfection, but he did an excellent job. It’s also a very complex model. Since I have no experience with 3D modeling or computer technology, I have no choice but to build it using traditional model-making techniques.
Here are some more pictures of the current state of the model.
Regards, Joachim
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Looks good enough to me Joachim! Not that I know much about this piece of kit; GSFG/WGF were no slackers when it came to getting good kit, and training on it.
Keep up the outstanding work Joachim - it will be worth it all I’m sure.
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Construction on the model continued. I concentrated on building the central section of the hull to complete the base vehicle. It’s a lot of work, and many details are still missing. After that, the propellers, pontoons, and pontoon deployment mechanism will be built. The pontoons should be able to be unfolded, just like the original. Since the deployment mechanism on the original is very complicated, I can’t yet say whether I’ll be able to replicate that. Here are some pictures of the current state of the model.
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Work on the model continued. I have begun constructing the two pontoons. The build is quite complex, as the two pontoons are not identical. At the moment, both pontoons are still sagging in the middle, as the necessary structural stability in that section is currently lacking. This situation will change once the central section—including the access ramps and the pontoon deployment mechanism—has been built. Constructing the pontoons is a very intricate process, as it requires ensuring that everything is perfectly square and adheres to the precise dimensions. Here are some photos showing the current progress of the build.
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I mean, I just do not know what to say!
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If you can’t say anything, then I can’t answer either. But I can tell you one thing: the construction is going to drag on for a long time. There is no end in sight here anytime soon. Thanks for your reply.
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Well, I am speechless but in a good way! Your work continues to inspire - the subject matter always of great interest, or at least to me! Your efforts regarding the T-10 series were a revelation.
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Absolutely impeccable, incredible work. You are truly a Master Craftsman.
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Simply outstanding work, this thread is amazing
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I would like to thank all the modelers for the comments posted here. I hadn’t expected that the model presented here—given that it lacks any armament—would generate such a great deal of interest. I will soon be sharing photos of the pontoon deployment mechanism. That promises to be a very interesting chapter. I cannot yet say whether I will succeed in replicating it. Since the pontoons are unfolded to the left and right using hydraulic cylinders, recreating this mechanism is a complex undertaking. The spacing of the mechanical components must be 100% accurate; otherwise, it simply won’t work. The aim of the model is to demonstrate how the original system functioned. That is my goal.
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Hello fellow modelers,
Here is another update on the PMM-2M build. Work has progressed to the construction of the two pontoons—a very complex task that requires a lot of time. I don’t want to leave out too many details. In the meantime, I have also started building the access ramps; they are designed to be foldable so that the ferry can be displayed in a loaded configuration.
Here are the latest photos.
The upper or right pontoon of the ferry
The lower or left pontoon of the ferry
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