US 2 1/2 Ton 6x6 Airfield Fuel Truck

Tamiya, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Cookie Sewell

FirstLook

Like other manufacturers, Tamiya likes to introduce new versions using proven kit parts to expand their offerings and cover more bases. This nice little kit is based on their CCKW cargo truck kit (No. 32548) but adds or replaces 84 parts from that kit.

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This kit is a nicer effort than the relatively stripped down CCKW kit in that it comes with all that it needs to in order to replicate its subject. The original driver figure is included and now two others are added, one man in a helmet and one in a soft cap handling the hoses.

This kit replaces one of the problems in the original kit – a diecast chassis which required screws for assembly and made building a “clean” model more difficult, as well as any conversions nearly impossible without scratchbuilding a new chassis.

The model provides the “hard” cab with optional position doors and an open section of the pumping facility on the tanker with two hose reels and two nozzles. While basic this is nicely details and includes the pressure tank and a fire extinguisher.

Cab detail is on a par with older 1/35 scale kits in that it has all of the lever controls and the wheel but no foot pedals (even absent from the floorboard due to an oversize mount for the steering column.) The driver and standing figure with helmet are neatly done but come with leggings, which limits them to WWII applications.

The wheels have been simplified as only the front wheels have an interior side to them, as the rear wheels are simply stuck together and the spare is likewise missing the backs side. The driveline in this kit has been cleaned up for assembly via cement and glues to the chassis vice the screws of the original. The entire driveline is one piece less the springs.

The kit comes with two finishing options, both in basic olive drab. It is either USAAF in France or USAAF in France June 1944. Both trucks have white markings but no unit codes (one has an ace of spades, the other white patches with nothing else).

Overall this kit is a good one and can be used for dioramas well into the 1950s. I do wish they had offered a yellow or red scheme for it though.

Sprue breakdown:

A 2x31 Wheels, suspension, seats, details
B 19 Driveline, driver, front fenders
C 22 Cab, cargo body
E 33 Cab, tanker body, exhaust
G 8 Clear Styrene
H 26 Two figures, tanker parts, fuel nozzles
– 1 Vinyl tubing
– 1 Coated wire

Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited