Monogram 1/48 Cletrac M2
The M2 is a fully tracked vehicle designed to tow aircraft on primitive airfields.
A controlled differential was used for steering, which would downshift one track when the corresponding steering lever is pulled. In this way, power is always being transmitted to both tracks, meaning that the Cletrac had a theoretical disadvantage (for a “bulldozer” style vehicle) of not fully locking one track, in order to spot-turn.
Apart from the swinging drawbar used in towing aircraft, a general purpose trailer hook was also present. The vehicle featured a 110 VDC 3 kW generator mounted on the right, which could provide electrical power for aircraft starting, whereas the rear mounted air compressor would provide both low (used for air tools) and high pressure air (for charging aircraft oleos).
This Cletrac “kit” is included the well known Monogram 1/48 Liberator. A nevertheless simplistic representation of the original, it is an easy, uncomplicated build, where with some extra effort, can depart from a "toy" towards a "model".
Should you wish to read the full build review, you may do so by visiting my beloved site Modelingmadness:
https://modelingmadness.com/review/misc/vehicles/us/other/penm2.htm
Happy Modelling!
Nice! Do you have anything in mind to display being hauled?
Thanks my friend @gwskat!
A Liberator maybe...
Good choice. Can't wait to see it.
I will add from myself that the license of this vehicle was sold to the USSR where the entire line of vehicles called Staliniec was produced for many years.
Thanks for this great info, my friend @lis!
Amazing result on this little Cletrac, Spiros @fiveten
Nice to read article about this workhorse as well.
Thanks my friend @johnb! Thought this "little fella" deserved a build, so here it is!
Nice! I think there might be one in the museum that I volunteer at, I'll have to check. A few kits use to include a tow vehicle.
Thanks my friend @roofrat!
Great little model, Spiros, a real one must be fun to use.
Thanks my friend @chinesegeorge!
Nice! I did not know such things were molded, this would have made a nice addition to that B-17 I did awhile ago
Thanks my friend @markh!
Nice job on that little add on from the B-24 kit. It really doesn't look bad overall for as simple as it is. You certainly made it look more than it it is. I didn't build mine this time, I really want to get the resin one that was shown on this site a while back, its just too damn expensive.
Thanks my friend @luftwaffe-birdman! Indeed, the resin is fantastic but expensive.