THUNDER MODEL TM35014B US Heavy Wrecker Ward LaFrance Model 1000, Series 5 Special Edition, 1/35

THUNDER MODEL TM35014B US Heavy Wrecker Ward LaFrance Model 1000, Series 5 Special Edition, 1/35

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 5 M1A1 came in 1943, around 3500 wrecker series 5’s were produced. The most obvious feature was the new full power crane, together with military pattern vehicle front end and cab with canvas top and folding windscreen.

Kit includes:

– 10 sprues with 700 parts

– Clear parts

– 10 3D printed parts

– Vacuum formed cab canvas

– PE parts

– 5 decal options

– Scale ropes and chains

– 2 resin cast crewmen figures

– 3D printed folded cab canvas