DDG3D 1/72 Ford Model 1918 3 Tonner
By Matt Bittner
Introduction
According to Wikipedia:
"The Ford 3-Ton M1918 was one of the first tank designs by the U.S. It was a small two-man, one-gun tank. Essentially the very first tankette, it was armed with an M1917 Marlin machine gun, later an M1919 Browning machine gun, and could reach a maximum speed of 8 mph (13 km/h). The 3-Ton had a 17-US-gallon (64 L) tank that gave it a maximum range of 34 miles (55 km)."
There were 15 Ford tanks made before production ended due to the Armistice of WWI. There are two survivors: one at the U.S. Army Armor & Cavalry Collection at Fort Benning, Georgia; the other is with the Ordnance Collection at Fort Lee, Virginia.
DDG3D is a new manufacturer to Internet Modeler. They're a British manufacturer, making 3D printed kits and accessories and if the Ford is anything to go by, their work is exquisite.
The Kit
The DDG3D 1/72 Ford Model 1918 3 Tonner consists of just three parts, one of them being redundent just in case something happens to one of the man-hole covers on the top of the tank.
|
As with a few 3D printed kits, the painting session will be the longest. Be aware there's hardly any print lines on this kit at all, so for me, no sanding needed. In fact, if you aren't careful there's a lot of printed detail you could lose if you do sand: for example, the hooks on the top of the hull. Very too scale and very easy to break off if you're not careful. Be aware the kit is completely hollow and there is no bottom to it. You'll want to either fashion some sort of bottom for it, or mount it to a base where none will be the wiser.
It appears all 15 Ford tanks were painted "olive" so choose your paint and weathering devices and go to town.
Conclusion
This is an excelllent 3D print of a little known tank. As one of the first US-designed tanks, it's important for those that want a representation of all US tanks. For me, it's a great WWI and 'tweener piece. I'm definitely looking forward to finishing this kit.
Huge thanks to DDG3D for the review kit. Email them for information on how to obtain one for your self and/or ask for their catalog.