Thursday 5 January 2012

Screwing Around!




Our Man in Japan, Terry recently sent me some links to some of the outlandishly priced kits on japanese auction sites. Not content with producing fanciful models of space related designs and anime tv shows, the kit companies bring out models of other strange vehicles such as this fabulous Delta SF Tank with novel archimedean screw motivators. Seemingly impractical, the screw drive was originally devised by Fordson as a means to propel tractors through thick mud, but was also considered by Chrysler during the Viet Nam conflict. This fabulous kit is a motorised version of what appears to be an amphibious tank all set for exploring alien seas and terrains.


Naturally, given the range of extreme conditions in the USSR, the soviets took the idea and developed a number of variations on the theme into military vehicles. Dark Roasted Blend has a great gallery and comprehensive information on the weird and wonderful vehicles.

5 comments:

  1. What a cool kit. The Japanese were and are gifted kit makers. That Russian version looks like Joe's Car with its upturned wheels!

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  2. Hahaha! Small world! Not only do I love your site but I work for Dark Roasted Blend - in fact I wrote the screw machine piece. So glad you liked it!

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  3. (nods) You're right about Japanese kit producers, Woodsy. I'd love to have a look around some model shops there.

    This design is very attractive. My usual question: does it include a figure for the driver?

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  4. Well thats recommendation indeed M.Christian! Sorry I didnt get authorisation for using the picture on the blog, it was a bit of guerilla blogging - get in, post and get out fast!

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  5. Ahh, covert-ops blogging, eh, Wote? (laughs)

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