K155
CRANES 40 Ton Trailer Mk-1

CRANES 40 Ton Trailer Mk-1

A complete 1/35th scale resin and etched brass kit of the classic WW-2 Cranes Mk-1 12 (Twin wheel) 40 Ton Tank Transporter/Recovery Trailer. This model designed by David Jane and Rob Tearle features fully detailed suspension with articulating bogies and steerable front carriage, moveable ramps and alternative ramp/chock options. A full set of tie-downs, tensioners, chains and blocks are also included. Also included are recovery pully blocks for AFV recovery. Decals are included with a good selection of census markings and general stencils.

History: This was the original 40 Ton trailer as designd in the UK by Cranes (Dereham) Ltd. to match the Diamond-T Motor Car Company design M980/981 tractor from Chicago USA for a 1941 British Army requirement to haul and recover tanks in the 40 Ton class and to be used in conjunction with the Diamond-T M980/981 recovery tractor.The prototype was delivered in April 1941, and a total of 1197 were produced by Cranes, R.A. Dyson, Hands, British Trailer Co Ltd, and Shelvoke & Drewry. The Cranes drawings were sent to the USA where a version of the design was developed and produced as the M9 45 Ton trailer for supply to the UK. (See our kit K174) In UK service it was decided to initially send only M9 Rogers trailers to North Africa with the Cranes trailers used in the UK and N.W.Europe after D-Day. This original design was to accomodate all UK tanks up to Churchill, however as the war progressed it was clear that the fixed inner and outer track guides were a disadvantage and a new Mk-2 trailer was produced with a flat top deck. Most Mk-1 trailers were also modified to Mk-1/2 standard (again with a flat top deck, see our kit K171) post war. The the flexibility of the design allowed many other tractors to tow the Mk-1 including Scammels and AEC’s.

NOTE: Just to clarify the trailer load ratings: 40 UK (LongTons) = 45 US (Short Tons) so the “Rogers” trailer is 45 (US) Tons and 40 (UK) Tons.