Rick Hoskinson says he was once again inspired by photos found on the Axis History Forum website. Rick used the Wiking Models MB L10000 cab and chassis and a Herpa tri-axle elliptical tank trailer that he shortened to fit. Trilex wheels and tires from Herpa replaced the smaller Wiking units. The rear fenders were widened to accommodate the twin duels. Scratchbuilt items include running boards and grab rails, fuel tank, rear rack and bumper, tank top hatches, exhaust system, lollipop mirror, and front bumper clearance markers. Added details include rear ladder from Details Associates, fuel tank filler from Details West, headlight and tail light lenses from MV Products, windshield wipers from A-Line and license plate decals by TL. Paint is Model Masters Panzer Gray with a black wash and a dusting of mixed dry pigments to simulate the dry conditions on the Russian Steppes in the summer of 1941. Large tank trucks like this one would load up directly from rail fuel tank cars of the DRG supply trains and follow the advancing armored units in columns to keep them supplied with fuel.

Posted January 19, 2018