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Saturday, June 7, 2008

Tractor Conversion
















Despite the vast numbers of commercially available model kits there are some things you just can't get. In the 1950's the old WWII Dragon Wagons were retired and a new truck was used to tow and transport tanks and other very heavy military loads.















My friend Wayne sent in a couple pictures of a heavily modified cab with a scratch built side by side winch assembly. This truck was used in the 50's after the M26 was retired. There are over a hundred some parts in that model. It's pictured in the Standard Catalog of Military Vehicles.















This model started life as a Roco Minitanks 5 ton tractor truck. It was modified to have the big winch and to accept the Roco Dragon Wagon trailer.















M123 seen with the vehicle it replaced, the M26 Dragon Wagon. The key with conversions like this is to search your library to get good photos of the target vehicle and take your time. The model does not have to be exact, or perfect, it has to look like the original from about arms reach away. Most people are put off by making conversions because they seem too hard. Start with an easy one, like combining two models to make a third, and go from there. You will be surprised how easy it can be to do. Many vehicles will never be made by the big companies because they are too rare, so making a conversion is a great way to go.



Thanks Wayne for the photos, and great job!

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