Gecko's Ram Kangaroo & Badger, new in 35th scale...

A Gecko, Ram, Badger & Kangaroo walk into a bar...God knows what the punch line is, but we DO know that Gecko Models has released new images of their two latest kits, the Ram Kangaroo transport & Badger flame thrower tanks in 35th scale. We look at them in our preview...

Gecko's Ram Kangaroo & Badger, new in 35th scale...

The subjects: The Ram Kangaroo & Ram Badger tanks:

The Canadian Ram Kangaroo Mk II replaced the turretless version of the Priest in army service, the Canadians used the M3 chassis with and an entirely new cast hull and turret to make the original Ram tank. The turrets on these tanks were removed, the engineers also moved a few of the interior systems such as the No. 19 radio and intercom. 

A Ram Kangaroo packed with troops in April 1945 in Germany.

Most Kangaroos did not have the auxiliary turrets, but kept the .30 cal machine-gun in the ball mount of the later production models. Occasionally the lucky soldiers being carried would have benches installed for their comfort, though by all reports they were more appreciative of the bulletproof protection the vehicle offered than by its level of comfort.

Canadian Ram Mk II Flamethrower: Looking for a faster tank than the M4 and a more heavily armed flamethrower than the Wasp - the Canadians came up with the Ram flamethrower tank. Conversions of Ram tanks with the Wasp II flamethrower gear were used by the 5th Canadian Armoured Brigade in the Netherlands in 1945. The type was designated as the "Badger".

A Ram Badger flame-thrower of the Badger Troop, Headquarters, 5th Canadian Armoured Brigade. One of four Ram Badgers in this Troop in April 1945.

These tanks mounted the Wasp’s flame projector in place of the forward .30 cal machine-gun, allowing a broad arc of fire. The flame projector was actually mounted upside down, but this did not affect the accuracy of the weapon. The rear held the fuel for the flamethrower, and most but not all Badgers covered the open turret with armoured plate. Later versions featured an auxiliary turret on top of the armoured plate, which provided a cupola for the tank commander as well as a .30 cal machine-gun to repel any enemy infantry who wandered too close.  

Canadian Ram Kangaroo Mk II APC Late Production.

From Gecko Models

1/35th scale

Kit No#35GM0085

Plastic injection moulded kit with photo-etch included.

Workable track links

Full interior included.

Four decal options are included.

This kit is long been awaited by not just Canadian modellers. It seems to be a popular choice, and now we know that Gecko are making this kit with a full interior, you can be assured that no details are left out! 

What there is in the box are injection plastic and four decal options, which will be welcome, as not many of these tanks existed.

The full interior features the slightly changed Kangaroo layout, and the Browning machine gun on a mount.

A complete engine and its compartment are included.

The kit has the workable track links of the T74 type included. These tracks have the additional parts to make them as the duckbill type also...

The hatches can be opened or closed, a full driver's station and suspension is accurately moulded.

Stowage and stretchers come in the kit also for extra load on the tank.

Canadian Badger Flamethrower Ram Mk II (Late Production)

From Gecko Models

1/35th scale

Kit No#35GM0086

Plastic injection moulded kit with photo-etch included.

Workable track links

Full interior included.

Four decal options are included.

The Badger version of the Kangaroo was even more rare in real life. This kit only sporting two options to choose from. 

CAD drawings of the kit show the same detail, but with the closed over hull and flamethrower & MG mini turret being the main external change from the Kangaroo version

Again we get a full driver's compartment and opening and closing vehicle hatches.

The flamethrower and mini turret are both included in detail. This version will be popular with modellers.

The engine and full interior detail is enhanced by fine parts and photo-etch.

Even though the tank's hull is a closed over type, you still get the option to display the interior, with a full Badger Ram's additional pasts.

Again we see the one part movable tracks, with the T49 type in regular or with the duckbill cleats included. 

These kits have not been advertised by distributors yet - which is usually the first people know of them, so no pricing or other information yet. We will let you know when we know more.

You can find out more about Gecko Models kits on their website