Soviet Komintern Artillery Tractor Kit First Look

By Dave Manter

First Look

The Komintern artillery tractor was based on the suspension of the T-12 tank and the later T-24 (2000 built from 1935 to 1941). It was powered by a 131 hp diesel engine. Despite the dismal fate of its predecessor tanks, the tractor was more successful and was put into mass production. Of course the Komintern inherited several of the T-24's disadvantages, but some of them were fixed by designers, others were not as significant for tractor as for a tank. The Komintern was used to tow medium artillery such as the ML20 152mm gun.

Trumpeter's kit of the Soviet Komintern Artillery Tractor consists of 335 parts on 21 sprues. There are 190 parts very well molded in grey plastic, 10 parts molded in clear plastic and 135 individual track links molded in brown plastic. All parts are molded near perfect and very little flash is present. Seam lines are very fine. The bed of the tractor features some of the best wood grain that I have seen and to Trumpeters credit, there are no knockout marks to deal with! Markings are provided as 2 different sizes of red stars or parade markings.

Construction begins with the suspension units and looks to be pretty straight forward. This is followed by the lower hull and test fitting shows that all of the major components fit very well. The cab is next and does feature a very well detailed interior. The instrument gauges are provided on the decal sheet. As the cab can be built with both doors opened or closed, the interior can be viewed after completion. The front windshield can also be built open or closed. Construction ends with the bed of the tractor and again all major components fit perfect.

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!