K181
Diamond-T M980/981 Tractor (Hercules Engine)

Diamond-T M980/981 Tractor (Hercules Engine)

A complete 1/35th scale resin and etched brass kit of the iconic Diamond-T M980/981 Tractor with Hercules DFXE Diesel engine. An extensive set of decals are included with a good selection of markings for British Army service in both WW-2 and Post War, plus a couple of Canadian, Danish & French options. This kit is intended for modellers making a UK vehicle.

This model designed by David Jane and Rob Tearle features full engine, chassis and suspension detail, fully equipped ballast body with a complete set of ballast weights, stowage and tools. Optional details for M980/981 models, and transparent lights and indicators are also included. The bonnet sides feature open vents, and a full winch with optional full or part empty drum and woven brass cable is also provided.

The model shown above is the K181H “Hard Cab”. This kit can supplied with either a fully enclosed “Hard Cab” (K181H) or open format “Soft Cab” (K181S). To select please message us using the contact form once your order is complete.

This Diamond-T Motor Car Company design from Chicago USA met a 1941 British Army requirement to haul and recover tanks in the 40 Ton class, and was matched to a very original 40 Ton trailer designed in the UK by Cranes (Dereham) Ltd. Cranes 40-Ton trailers were produced in the UK; however the design was passed to Rogers Brothers Corporation, Albion, USA for large scale production. For more details of the Rogers trailer please see our kit K174.

This tractor entered service in 1942 with the “Hard Cab” version, and combined with the M9 Rogers trailer was despatched to North Africa (Note that only M9 Rogers trailers were used in North Africa). In general UK and NWE service a variety of trailers and semi-trailers were used, and similarly the same trailers were coupled to Scammells, AEC’s and many other tractors. In UK service this tractor continued in this form until the Mid 1950’s where most (But not all) were re-engined with the Rolls Royce C6NFL-143 Diesel, (Please refer to our Kit K182 for more details) and coupled to DYSON 50-Ton trailers (our kit K168) continued until 1975. Thirty-three years of continuous service! However even then many found a hard working home in the heavy haulage industry for a further decade or so.

The combination of this tractor and the Rogers M9 trailer was also adopted (albeit reluctantly) by the US ARMY as the “Substitute or Limited Standard” M19 Tank Transporter, so if you wish to make a US ARMY kit please refer to K183 which has been optimised for the classic M19 combination. NOTE: Just to clarify the trailer load ratings: 40 UK (Long Tons) = 45 US (Short Tons) so the “Rogers” trailer is 45 (US) Tons and 40 (UK) Tons.

Completed model dimensions (approximate ) Inches/Metric (mm) Length 8/203 Width 3/76 Height 3/76