1/35 US Heavy Wrecker Ward LaFrance M1000 Series 2 Thunder Model 35010
The Thunder Model 1/35 scale kit of the US Heavy Wrecker Ward LaFrance M1000 Series 2 (kit number 35010) is a detailed representation of the World War II-era heavy recovery vehicle. The Series 2 variant, introduced in 1942, featured enhancements such as a rear winch and crane improvements, with a total production of 562 units.
This model kit comprises 550 plastic parts distributed across six sprues, eight clear parts, photo-etched components, eight 3D-printed parts, decals, and scale ropes and chains for added realism.
The Ward LaFrance Truck Corporation was an American manufacturer of trucks and fire apparatus founded by Addison Ward LaFrance in 1916 in Elmira Heights, NY. The company ceased operations in 1979.
During World War Two, Ward LaFrance delivered more than 5000 commercial trucks for the war service. This M1 10-ton truck, heavy wrecker, 6×6, with a 6-cylinder Continental engine, was built by the company Ward LaFrance as well as by the firm Kenworth with some slight differences in design in 1941-1945. The first type, the M1, which was standardised in July 1941, used a civilian pattern sheet metal cabs, late version produced from 1943, M1A1, used an open cab with folding canvas top.
The M1 were produced in five different models (Series 1, Series 2, Series 3 , Series 4 and Series 5). The Series 2 came in 1942 with the rear winch added and some crane improvements and additions after series 1. Total of 562 wreckers series 2 were produced, later ones were fitted with reinforced front bumper with lugs whiffle tree
TM35010
1/35 US Heavy Wrecker Ward LaFrance M1000, series 2
- 6 sprues with 550 plastic parts
- 8 clear parts
- PE parts
- 8 3D printed parts
- decals
- scale ropes and chains