Thunder Models 1/35 US Heavy Wrecker Ward LaFrance M1000 Series 3 # 35011

SKU

THU35011

In Stock

Type:

1/35 Scale Military

EAN

5391532331393

£59.95

Skip to the end of the images gallery

Skip to the beginning of the images gallery

All Prices include VAT - Live stock levels & we offer eRewards

To collect in store, choose click & collect during checkout

Low Prices & next day delivery, you really need to take a look.

Details

The Ward LaFrance M1000 Series 3 was a 10-ton, 6×6 heavy wrecker used extensively by the U.S. Army during World War II.

Designed for the recovery and towing of disabled vehicles, it played a vital support role across the European and Pacific theatres.

This particular variant, the Series 3, was built in 1942 and primarily supplied to British forces under the Lend-Lease program.

Powered by a robust Continental 6-cylinder gasoline engine, the M1000 Series 3 was equipped with a heavy-duty winch system, a rotating boom crane, and a reinforced chassis capable of handling battlefield wrecks and damaged armor.

Unique to the Series 3 was the removal of trailer air connectors, differentiating it from earlier models.

It also featured a distinctive front bumper, with some units fitted with lugs and a whiffle-tree to allow for chained anchoring during heavy recovery operations.

Originally painted in Colorado Tan for shipment, many of these vehicles were repainted in-theatre to match British camouflage schemes.

The truck’s durable construction, all-wheel-drive capability, and powerful recovery equipment made it a trusted asset for maintenance and engineering units on the front lines.

Key Specifications:

Type: Heavy Recovery Vehicle (10-ton class)
Drive: 6×6
Engine: Continental 6-cylinder petrol
Transmission: 5-speed manual + 2-speed transfer case
Top Speed: ~45 mph (72 km/h)
Recovery Equipment: Rotating boom crane, front/rear winches
Notable Variant Feature: No trailer air connectors (Series 3 only)
Primary Use: Battlefield vehicle recovery and repair
Reliable, capable, and built for tough conditions, the Ward LaFrance M1000 Series 3 remains one of the most iconic heavy wreckers of WWII.

Thunder Models 1/35 US Heavy Wrecker Ward LaFrance M1000 Series 3 # 35011

More Information

More Information
SKU	THU35011
Manufacturer	Thunder Models
Scale	1/35
EAN	5391532331393
Short Description	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; a late version, produced from 1943, the M1A1, used an open cab with a folding canvas top. The M1 were produced in five different models (Series 1, Series 2, Series 3 , Series 4 and Series 5). The Series 3 came in 1942 after series 2. A total of 365 Wreckers Series 3 were produced, all for the British Army (a total of 698 Wreckers Series 2 and 3 were supplied under the contract). Series 3 wreckers did not have front and rear trailer air connectors, and many of these were originally painted in Colorado Tan and later repainted in the field into British colours. Vehicles from Serial No. 422624 were fitted with a reinforced front bumper with lugs and whiffle tree - 7 sprues with 575 plastic parts - 8 clear parts - PE parts - 8 3D printed parts - Decals - Scale ropes and chains -This kit features optional front bumper with lugs and whiffle tree and also recovery an additional recovery equipment