A new model company called “Thunder Model” has been on our early warning radar for a while. They are releasing at least three products we know of, with a WWII US loader in 35th to be added to the list, today in our preview we have pictures of the first two kits in CAD – the 35th Bergepanzer 38(t) Hetzer Late & a US Army Tractor Case VAI.
Thunder Model’s Frist launch kits in 35th scale injection moulded plastic
Bergepanzer 38(t) Hetzer Late
1/35th scale
Injection moulded plastic kit
Some pictures of this rare vehicle freshly new, in action ad after capture
The Bergepanzer was equipped with two-tone folding jib crane used to handle engines and other heavy components. Additionally, the recovery vehicle was equipped with a five-ton winch of Baumgarten company. The winch was driven by the vehicle´s engine through the transmission system. At the end, a blade was installed at the rear of the hull, but it is again unclear how many vehicles were equipped with it. There were also some development works to install the blade at the front of the vehicle, as seen in the company blueprints, but probably these plans were never realized.
The model in CAD form
US Army Tractor Case VAI
TM 35001
1/35 Scale
Injection moulded plastic kit
The Case VA Series, introduced in 1942, was a new series of tractors that replaced the Case V Series (Models V, VC, VI and VO). Although the Case VA looked much like the V, it shared no major components with its predecessor. Except for military units, the production of the Case VA was interrupted in July of 1942 due to World War II. It resumed again in 1944 and continued until 1953. It started up briefly later on in 1953 and continued on a very limited basis until 1956.
You can find out more about Thunder Models and their products on their Website