US Ford 3-Ton Tank 1918
Comments
Album info
The US entered the Great War with no tanks or tank designs. However it was a powerhouse of automotive and tractor production. That capability was pointed at developing a tank, and the Ford Motor Company responded with a design that made maximum use of its off-the-shelf parts and its existing production capability. This resulted in tank that could be produced quickly and cheaply - just $4,000 each. Fifteen were produced for evaluation and a contract was written for 15,000. After testing in France, it was decided that it might be better used as an artillery tractor. The war ended before any more were produced.
This is the Vargas Scale Models 3D printed kit in resin. It only has 17 parts including the very nice name plate. It includes an engine and seats for the driver and gunner. This is the miracle of 3D printing - far fewer parts while retaining decent detail. The downside of 3D printed kits is that amount of preparation that the parts require. I scrubbed it with a toothbrush in hot water and dish soap, I left it in the sun for hours to ensure the UV cure was complete. I sanded all of the pesky striations out. Still the prep and build took only 13 hours. This was far quicker and easier than building a cast resin kit.
I like the technology and look forward to building more interesting 3D printed kits from Vargas.
