Dragon

1/35 Quad Gun Trailer M55 Smart Kit

Kit Number: 6421

Reviewed by  Chuck Bush, IPMS# 42838

MSRP: $24.95 Website: www.dragonmodelsusa.com The M45 Quad 50 cal machine gun mount was developed by the Kimberly Clark Corporation in 1943 and used on the M16 halftrack. It was also used as a towed weapon on both one (M51) and two (M55) axle trailers. The Quad 50 was also used in Korea and Vietnam. Dragon has released the M55 version. The kit contains Sprues P, Qx2, R (seated gunner figure), and E (clear parts) from their M16 kit. A new Spure (also R) contains the parts for the Trailer. There is an etched strip for the lower mount, a small decal sheet with the ammo drum markings, and a 7 step construction sheet. The only part used from the clear sprue is the gun sight. You also get 8 extra ammo drums. The parts are molded in gray plastic with no flash, no flash, and a minimum of injection marks. All parts have good, crisp detail. The instruction sheet is clear and well written with painting call outs and a parts map. I had no fit problems at all. In step 2, when you build the three leveling jacks, make sure they are all at the height you intend them to be on the finished model. I left them movable and used a drop of super glue to secure the height after they were installed on the finished model. If you plan to use the gunner figure it must be installed in step 2, before parts are added in step 4. However, some care must be taken with the trailer tongue in step 6. Be sure part R12 is attached at a 45-degree angle to part R21, otherwise the crossbar will be crooked when the tongue is attached to the trailer. The paint scheme is OD. You could do some white wash for a winter scheme if so moved. There are no markings on the gun or trailer its self, however, a small sheet is supplied with markings, in both white and yellow, for the ammo drums. I've seen pictures of drums both with and without painted markings. This is a nice little kit with lots of diorama possibilities. It is an easy kit to build with just a little experience. Highly recommended. Go get one! Thanks to Dragon and IPMS for the review sample.