what everyones thougt on bule tank kits? thier is this one on old evil bay which iam bidding and was wondering how accurrate this kit is and how does it build up thanks rob
Think early '70s Tamiya toy tank. It is really old and has the same issues of models from that time. It has such things as molded on tools, rough mesh for engine grills, weakly detailed working suspension and track, etc. I have seen it made into a nice model, but it was mainly rebuilt to do so. The guy replaced the entire running gear and track with new ones from a Tamiya M48A3 (since it was based on the same components) and AFV Club M48 chevron block track. He basiclly rebuilt the rest of it using sheet styrene and detail parts from other kits. I wouldn’t bother getting it unless you just have to have an M8A1 Cargo Tractor.
Gino gave you the run down. I have rebuilt a similar M4 tractor from Nitto. It is a lot of work.
I have an M8 tractor on the shelf ONLY because there is no other model of it and it has its place with artillery equipment. My luck is when I start on it (like the M4 I built) someone will re-release a new much beeter version (no Gino, I’m not starting mine soon so the curse will have to wait).
IF you are going to get it you want to keep an eye and try to get a cheap one. I have seen the M8s go from high teens to over $60. I picked one up for $19 a while back. If you are collecting keep an eye out, you will find 6 or 7 a year. If you looking for a good next build then I agree with Gino and stay away.
Rounds Complete!!
It actually used the running gear and suspension of the M41 Walker Bulldog. This old reissue kit became popular once again when AFV Club released their M41 suspension and individual track link set. While intended to upgrade the old Tamiya M41, many of the sets were picked up to update the M8A1 tractor. Airwaves did make a PE set for it years ago.
Take a look at the molded on spare track links on the roof of the cab. Those are not M48 style tracks, but M41 style tracks. Here are photos of a completed one done on Armorama:
when done it is a sharp looking tractor,i think the ammo lift in the rear works. Like the others said it needs some TLC