Thursday, August 22

Preview: Takom's 35th scale M29C Weasel in Arctic/Antarctic Expedition Vehicle...

Takom has adapted their 35th scale Weasel kit again, this time into an M29C Arctic/Antarctic expedition vehicle. "Cold War" puns incoming! We look at the kit & these chilly Weasels in our preview...

Preview: Takom's 35th scale M29C Weasel in Arctic/Antarctic Expedition Vehicle...

M29C Weasel in Arctic/Antarctic Expedition Vehicle
From Takom
Kit No# 2193
1/35th scale
Two marking choices included
Link & length tracks included
Grey Injection moulded plastic + Photo-etch parts...

The Subject: the M29C Weasel used in Artic & Antarctic regions:
The M29 Weasel is an WWII era designed all-purpose tracked vehicle used to supply frontline troops over difficult ground when wheeled vehicles were unable to be used. This little vehicle was invented by British inventor Geoffrey Pyke to be used in areas like the artic and flooded areas, and could float and travel on roads at 36 miles an hour.

M29C Weasel in Arctic finish with a modified cab similar to this one in the kit. There were some alterations between cabs on these vehicles depending on their purpose and users.
In 1941, the Allies, planning raids on German heavy water facilities in Norway, needed a fast, manoeuvrable all-purpose vehicle that could scamper quickly over snow. Soon the Studebaker Company in Indiana was producing the M29 Weasel—but not before the Norway plan was scrapped. 

Two U.S. Navy M29 Weasel tracked vehicles on the ice in the Antarctic during Operation Highjump. These have the simple canvas covers on them.
the M29C integrated design changes to improve its amphibious performance. These included bow and stern flotation compartments that enhanced freeboard and, conveniently, provided extra storage. The addition of twin rudders greatly improved steering afloat. Together they upped the overall length to almost 16 feet. A capstan was also added to the bow deck to facilitate self-recovery. In 1944 and 1945, a total of 10,647 M29Cs were manufactured for a total production run of 15,123 Weasels.

A U.S. Navy supply convoy in Antarctica led by a M29 Weasel.
After the war, most M29s were sold off as surplus, often to winter sports resorts. This led the organizing committee for the 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley, California, to request the loan of Weasels from the U.S. Army. Consequently, 25 Weasels provided support throughout the event. Its attendance at the VIII Winter Olympiad may have been the Weasel’s only brush with greatness, but throughout its career it quietly filled a variety of roles for multiple armies in theatres of operation throughout the world. 

A U.S. Navy photographer’s mate taking a motion picture from a M29 Weasel in Antarctica during Operation Highjump. This again has the canvas cover.
The Canadian Army operated Weasels across that country’s high Arctic as well as several Weasels that were used Artic & Antarctic expeditions. The Norwegian Army was one of the last users, often using them to tow ski troops of the British Army or Royal Marines at speeds up to 30mph. They were also used extensively for exploration in snowy regions, notably Antarctica, often in civilian hands, painted in suitably garish colours and normally fitted with a hard-top superstructure to keep out the cold.

Loading a M-29 Weasel on the landing craft “Goldie”, Oliktok Point, Beaufort Sea coast, Alaska North Slope, Summer 1950 during construction of the DEW line.
Weasel checking sea ice landing strip at Oliktok Point – If weasel didn’t break ice, ski planes could land. If weasels broke ice, they would float as they were amphibious. Alaska, Brownlow Point, Spring 1950, during construction of the DEW line.

This new kit from Takom:
This kit is a continuation of their M29 Weasel series of kits in 35th scale. Clayton built up one of these in an extensive series of video builds if you want to know how they go together. 

You can see below both ends (if you like) of the M29C variant with the cab, extra flotation & rudders at the rear with a luggage / stowage rack on the top of the vehicle. Surely you couldn't put much on that!
This artwork gives us a lot more information to chew over, with the kit bringing two marking choices, there are link and length tracks, photo-etch & clear parts are included also.
You cee below, a kind of cutaway / fade-out illustration showing you both the cab and the interior detail of the kit.

That is all we have on this one for now - keep tuned for more info on the kits soon...
You can see more about Takom's kits on their website or on their Facebook page.