Takom 1/72 Hanomag SS100 w V-2 and Meillerwagon.
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KIT #: |
5001 |
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PRICE: |
$40.00 delivered |
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DECALS: |
None |
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REVIEWER: |
Scott Van Aken |
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NOTES: |
2017 tooling |
The Hanomag SS-100 is the military version of a
civilian truck as you'd see in today's semis. The SS-100 is the military version
of the 4x2 road heavy tractor Gigant SS-100, equipped with 6-cyl. 100hp 8553cc
Diesel engine, with towing capacity of 20 tons. (1936-1944). These were built in
2 and 4 door versions.
The four-door version has a double cab, which could carry a crew of five or
six and the two doors a crew of three. Production of the SS-100 was
continued from 1936 to 1944. The basic design continued to be produced after
the WWII as the ST100 and ST100W. Some of these tractors were used
by the French Army.
The Hanomag road tractors of all sizes were very popular as fairground
transport well into the 1960's, because of their power, reliability and
robustness. In short words, the Hanomag SS-100 tractor was a civilian
vehicle that was pressed into military service.
Both the Army and Luftwaffe units used it. The Luftwaffe units used it
primarily for towing airplanes, bombs, and gasoline trailers. The V2 units used
it for towing the “Vidalwagen” which transported the V2 rocket from the railhead
to the launch units’ preparation facility. It was also used to tow the
Meillerwagen, which transported the V2 rocket to the launch site and erected the
rocket. Additionally, the Hanomag was used to tow other trailers such as the B-Stoff
trailer. The SS100 was used in many different Theatre of Operations.
Many
of us built the old 1/69 Revell V-2 with Meillerwagen back in our youth and some
of us again when we were older. It was a neat kit that had a goodly number of
operating features as you could raise or lower the mounting assembly and the
work platforms as well as the clamps for the missile. It also had the launch
stand. It did not come with anything to tow, it however.
Fast forward 50 years or so and there is now a replacement for that kit
from Takom. This one does include something to tow it with, but is devoid of
the operating features.
The first four pages of the instructions are on the building of the SS100
prime mover. This is the four door version and comes with a fairly well
detailed chassis and an interior. Tires on this and the meillerwagen are of
a black vinyl, which makes it easier to paint the wheels. In fact, one
should paint most of these parts prior to attaching the wheels and glass to
make things easier.
The rocket itself is a fairly simple construct, consisting of around a dozen
parts. Same goes for the launch base. Where you spend most of your effort is
on the meillerwagen.
As implied, none of the parts move so you need to make a fairly early choice
as to whether you want this model posed in tow or ready to launch. The main
reason for that is the the erection pistons are provided as either fully
extended or fully retracted. Based on that, you will have other optional
bits and pieces that are used in the construction of the kit. As neat as it
would be to have it partially erect as shown on the box art, that isn't
going to happen unless you modify some pieces.
You will notice that there is a photo etch fret. Well, this is used
exclusively on the meillerwagen. The majority of these parts are for the
various handholds/steps that go up the side for the crew to climb to help
get the rocket ready for launch. In the older Revell kit, these were all
plastic and inevitably several would be broken either removing them from the
sprues or cleaning them up. P.e. pretty well eliminates that issue. In
addition to the hand holds, you have a side ladder and a small box made from
this material.
Instructions are very well done and provide lots of information, including
optional bits. All of the colors are in Mig references, though those who
have built German WWII equipment will have no issue finding paints that are
easier to source. There are no decals provided, though some were certainly
present on the real deal. There are multiple camouflage options for the
truck, wagen and the rocket. One I found interesting was an overall olive
green for the truck. I should mention that the camouflage patterns for the
V-2 are only shown for one side. This makes for a proper painting of some of
the options rather difficult as both sides were not the same. However, I'd
think that you could find these schemes in their totality on line.
First off, this kit is not inexpensive, but then what is any
more. Secondly, there are a goodly number of parts inside which have the
possibility of making the kit fiddly to build. However, I have built two Takom
kits in my day and found both of them went together well so that should
alleviate any concerns one would have. I realize that not everyone is interested
in this sort of kit, but I am and those who are also fascinated by the world's
first long range guided ballistic missile will want to consider this kit.
http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2016/09/hanomag-ss100-nh-4x2-heavy-road-tractor.html
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Many
of us built the old 1/69 Revell V-2 with Meillerwagen back in our youth and some
of us again when we were older. It was a neat kit that had a goodly number of
operating features as you could raise or lower the mounting assembly and the
work platforms as well as the clamps for the missile. It also had the launch
stand. It did not come with anything to tow, it however.