1:72 GMC CCW353 Tractor with semi-trailer

GMC CCW-353 tractor with semi-trailer 1:72 — a PST kit

An injection-molded plastic kit of the American GMC series 353 truck in the CCW tractor form together with a semi-trailer, in 1:72 scale from PST. The model is therefore not an ordinary flatbed but a combination: a tractor and a towed semi-trailer. It suits supply and movement scenes on the Western as well as the Eastern Front.

The real subject

The GMC series 353 trucks were the most widespread American medium vehicles of the Second World War. Alongside the best-known version with all wheels driven there was also a variant designated CCW, which had only the rear axles driven and served mainly on hard roads and in the rear areas. It was precisely these vehicles that most often appeared in purpose-built conversions as tractors, recovery and workshop machines. A great many series 353 vehicles also reached the Soviet army under Allied deliveries, and their chassis carried rocket-launcher bodies as well.

Building and painting tips

Dry-fit the frame, the axles and the semi-trailer coupling first so that the combination stands level on all its wheels. Remove the flash on the small parts with a scalpel and fine paper. Paint the cab separately before closing it and finish the instrument panel with a brush. Apply a filler primer under the olive shade first, then build the weathering up from light dust on the chassis to darker traces in the recesses. If a tarpaulin for the semi-trailer is included in the package, bring it to life with drybrushing.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of Allied transport equipment in 1:72
• Builders of supply and transport dioramas
• Modelers who want a combination in the collection, not just the vehicle alone
• Builders with practice on the small parts of small scales

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.