1/35 Thunder Model Scammell Pioneer Tank Transporter 30t with Goose neck trailer

Scammel Pioneer TRMU30/TRCU30Tank Transporter

The Scammell Pioneer was a British 6×4 tractor used in the Second World War as an artillery tractor, recovery vehicle and tank transporter. Pioneers purchased by the British Army were equipped with a 102 bhp Gardner 6 cylinder diesel engine.

The productionof the tank transporter begun in 1937, although the prototype had been built already in 1932. The production variant was equipped with a longer chassis and extended cab to accommodate the tank crew as passengers and larger rear wheels than the Artillery tractor and Recovery vehicle variants. 20 tonPioneer TRCU20trailer and 30 tonPioneer TRMU30/TRCU30tractor and trailer combinations were delivered, in both cases withthe trailerfixed to the tractor. Hinged ramps were used to get the tank onto the trailer, which could be pulled on with the tractor unit’s winch.

Pioneer tractor/trailer combinationsremained in production throughout the war, 459 units produced in total.

Besides many various common tyres at the time, these also often used Scotland producedtyres we replicated in the kit with very slight angle modification for release from the mold.