ChTZ S-65 Tractor ET Models 1:35 E35-145

[Shar2]

S-65 Tractor Detail Set – E35-145

ET Models 1:35

Designed in 1937 around the newly designed M 17 13.5ltr diesel engine of 75hp the S-65 tractor weighed in at around 11,000kg with a maximum pull of 4,200kg and a top speed of 6.5kmh. The S-65 gained worldwide recognition in agriculture, construction and in the army. It even gained a top award at the World fair in Paris. In the army it was used to pull heavy tools, artillery pieces and even used as a recovery vehicle for tanks bogged down in the mire. Production ceased in 1940/41 after over 31,000 tractors had been built.

Since Trumpeter released this esoteric vehicle there have been a number of update and detail sets released for it. ET Models are the latest manufacturer to produce one. E35-145 consists of three sheets of etched brass and a small acetate sheet. The instructions are printed on ETs usual green paper, but are better laid out than some of their normal fare, with diagrams of the model and where the various brass parts are to be fitted. Some parts of the kit need to be removed before the finer brass parts can be added. Some assemblies also require the addition of plastic rod of various sizes. Taking the additions from front to rear, beginning with the radiator housing, the front of which gets a new mesh and protective bars, plus the CTZ manufacturers logo. Individual letters go to make up the manufacturers names on the sides, bottom and top of the housing. The kit bonnet sides are replaced with new etched items, which have individual hinges and handles to be fitted, whilst the louvers need to be gently teased out and bent into shape. Further to the rear the fuel tank gets replacement supports comprising of two large parts bent into shape plus a couple of angle iron and brackets. Onto the rear face of the tank the instrument binnacle is fitted with the acetate instruments cover by an etched face. Between the tracks are two large angled plates, I presume to allow the mud and dirt to slide off and not clog up the running gear. The kits parts are once again replaced with etch, bent into shape and fitted with support clamps and enhanced with extra bolt heads. Whilst some tractors drivers had to contend with all the weather would throw at them, some did have the benefit of a simple roof structure. This is represented here with the curved roof, supports, roof bracing and floor fixings. The drivers position is also improved with the additional details to the foot controls, grab handles and locking clasp for the underseat locker. Finally, the exhausts for the diesel and petrol starter engines are rolled from the sheet and fitted to the bonnet, in addition to two brackets for the rear step.

Conclusion

Once again ET Models have produced a very fine set to detail this interesting and rather unusual model. With the clear instructions the details are very easy to add. I particularly like the raised lettering around the radiator housing which will look great under a coat of paint and some careful weathering. Recommended.

Review Sample courtesy of

available in the UK from White Ensign Models