Dragon Wagon (1 Viewer)

[noli-poli]

Andy, Gordon:

Any news on the M15A1 trailer that can be hitched on the M26 TRV? Just got a 1/25 scale modern "low-boy" goose-neck trailer by First Gea; which will do for now ...and hopefully I do not have to convert/modify. After working on some Figarti conversions and the KC MP Jeep, my hands are itching to start on some more KC's...i.e., converting the M3A2 to an M2A1 or M3 Ambulance, and possibly an M32 TRV. On the Dragon Wagon trailer, major re-work needs to be re-done on the rear axle & ramp, and front connector hitch. Also, need to fold the A frame on the M-26. I am using the Tamiya 1/35 as a reference.

N-P

 

[Beaufighter]

Andy, Gordon:

Any news on the M15A1 trailer that can be hitched on the M26 TRV? Just got a 1/25 scale modern "low-boy" goose-neck trailer by First Gea; which will do for now ...and hopefully I do not have to convert/modify. After working on some Figarti conversions and the KC MP Jeep, my hands are itching to start on some more KC's...i.e., converting the M3A2 to an M2A1 or M3 Ambulance, and possibly an M32 TRV. On the Dragon Wagon trailer, major re-work needs to be re-done on the rear axle & ramp, and front connector hitch. Also, need to fold the A frame on the M-26. I am using the Tamiya 1/35 as a reference.

N-P

N-P,

Where did you get the First Gear set? I was/am hoping very much that at the very least K&C would produce & sell a "250 Series" trailer for all of us who were expecting one to go with the Dragon Wagon. By the way, your Sherman conversion pictured elsewhere is a real piece of art-nice going!

Best,
Beaufighter

 

[Mitch]

Remarkable how 1/35th goes with the K&C release
Mitch

 

[Beaufighter]

Remarkable how 1/35th goes with the K&C release
Mitch

Mitch,

The trailer is 1:25 scale and the Tamiya kit used to make it accurate is 1:35-is that what you were referring to? In any case, have you seen that First Gear set before? If K&C does not come out with a trailer I might be tempted to go the same route.

Great Stuff,
Marc

 

[noli-poli]

Mark!

Looks like we got "orphaned" when Mark (B-A-R) moved to CA. I will sure miss his shop.

I got the First Gear Mack Truck with Goose-Neck Trailer on E-Bay for $170 (buy now). It comes in 2 or 3 axle version. The Military version has sold out but they do come once in a while. There is another one posted in orange withtransportation company markings (Chalmers) also for $170.

Re M15A1 trailer I am working on...I am using a 1/25 scale First Gear Mack Truck with "goose-neck" trailer which folds from the front to take its load. The M26 is bigger that the Mack in real life so using a bigger scale will run smack to the 1/30 scale M15A1 trailer.

This will be a major undertaking for me. It may take me 3 months to scratch-build the M15A1 using the FG trailer as base. Four areas I will be working on (1) elongate rear wheel well to accomodate the bigger tires (should be same size as the M26) and re-work the ramp mechanism. (2) The front "goose-neck" part, and (3) the trailer bed sides and support frames, and (4) the A-frame on the M26 has to be folded...maybe make a working haydarulic foot support mechanism.

Attached are photos which will show you the difference between Tamiya and FG. I was planning to construct the Tamiya version but when I was doing measurement, it will look puny (like a semi pulling a landscape truck LOL!).

N-P

 

[noli-poli]

More photos

 

[noli-poli]

Re: Dragon Wagon (Conversion Update)

Troops:

Attached are photos of conversion stages. I am using the 1/25 scale military trailer by First Gear (all metal construction) and Tamiya Dragon Wagon plastic kit. The strategy in this conversion is to make the Dragon Wagon is to take a heavy load and carry KC tank. The main spine will the FG trailer which has to be dismantled. The A-frame on the KC M26 needs to be removed and folded down.

 

[noli-poli]

Re: Dragon Wagon (Conversion Update)

The next step is to clad the trailer bed to replicate the M15A1 trailer features and removed existing rear axle assembly and totally re-build it by creating a new axle frame using brass metal. This will leter be clad with Tamiya parts that will be lengthened and widened. The Tamiya "goose neck" will be used but it will be reinforced with brass bars that will be glued in place and fastened with micro-screws for added strength

 

[noli-poli]

Re: Dragon Wagon (Conversion Update)

Next step is to align the trailer height and the rear axle with the M26 coupler/hitch. I cannot use the Tamiya tires as ther are small. The tire size should be the same as the M26 TRV. I am using the FG 1/25 tires and used (temporarily) tires from an old Monogram M8 kit, inserted the whole thing to act as a wheel hub. I may have to ask Andy or Gordon if they have 8 spare front steer wheels to make it look consistent & save time...if not I may have to scratch-build 8 of these wheel hubs. If you guys know where to get these crawler style tires in 1/25 scale, please let me know...thanks

The last step before putting all the details is to widen and lengthened the "goose-neck" part to. It should as wide as the inner tires og the M26 rear axle ang long enough tp cover the coupler

This is it for now and I'll keep you guys updated on the progress.

N-P

 

[noli-poli]

M15 SEMI-TRAILER...scratch-building update

Almost a month since June 25. Project is 50% complete. Now working on the axle assembly, replicating ramp/skid, and "planking."

Tires on the photos are not the final ones. They are slightly bigger making the trailer tilt downwards. Couldn't find exact tires as the KC M26. I found something similar with the right tire size from Australia from a guy that makes resin tires and trucks.

Hope to complete the project by August ( 1 month earlier from my estimated completion date)

N-P

 

[noli-poli]

More photos

 

[MCKENNA77]

Dude:

That is awesome.

Keep it silly

 

[MapleLeaf]

U got the Gold ribbon my freind
Maple Leaf

 

[Firebat]

Oh man....Real good stuff.....This is one of the best conversion projects I have ever seen. I love the Dragon Wagon....Of course K&C could have made things a bit easier buy just making it themselves. Alex

 

[Thompyt]

he is completing the 1:1 mold Always happens in the 1:35 world when a scratchbuilt is completed.

 

[PanzerAce1944]

Looks like a great project you have there !

 

[noli-poli]

...A SNEAK PEEK.
Watch for this thread next week. 98% done. Working on accessories, tools and stowages.

 

[Sentaapua]

My God, what a beauty you`re about to give birth!!! Fantastic project combined with fantastic talent! I will sure be following this tread in the next days to see the final result (it`s already outstanding) once these remaining 2% are completed! {bravo}} Congratulations Noli-Poli!!

 

[noli-poli]

See the new thread...

ENTER THE DRAGON!