June 15, 2016

MA3 | 537

MAZ- 537 is a 12-cylinder diesel engine-powered military truck tractor, originally designed for loads up to 50 tons (using semitrailers such as the ChMZAP-9990 or ChMZAP-5247G, for example) with later versions providing a maximum load of 65 tons. It has been manufactured by the Minsk Automobile Plant (from 1959 to 1965) and the Kurgan Wheel Tractor Plant from 1963 until halt of production in 1990.
The metal cab of the MAZ-537 provides space for the driver and a passenger for a total of two occupants, has two access doors on the side and a roof hatch, and is equipped with additional engine-independent heating. The 537G modification version is characterized by the addition of a winch to facilitate loading and unloading, as well as enabling self-extraction when stalled in adverse terrain (like mud). The working cable length of the winch is 100 meters, and the winch is able to provide 15 tons of traction.
The vehicle is powered by a 12-cylinder D-12A-525A diesel engine located directly behind the cab. This engine provides preheating as well. The drivetrain of the MAZ-537 consists of a hydrodynamic transmission transferring power to the two front axles over a torque converter and a planetary three-stage gearbox with assisted steering (power steering) gear.
MAZ-537 has been widely used in both military roles (as, for example, artillery tractor trailer (pulling rocket or (ballistic) missile launchers), tank transporter, and airfield tractor) and in the civilian sphere as heavy tractor trailers, tractor ballast (or secondary unit) for carrying extra heavy loads, and in oil and gas fields. (Wikipedia contributors. MAZ-537. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. July 26, 2015, 22:59 UTC. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=MAZ-537&oldid=673219108. Accessed May 30, 2016.)
 
The model I built is a model kit made by SSM manufacturer division “Автомобиль в деталях” who is selling assembly kits.
This allows you to build your model as you wish from the first time.
I choose for mine to detail the mechanical part as much as is necessary for having a reasonably looking model. The kit as we buy doesn’t provide any detail on the steering system and there are no pipes on the hydraulic system of the transmission.
Reproducing those things you will have a great pluss on your model. And is not very difficult for a medium experienced modeler.
Some weathering will bring also a touch of realism putting this toy truck in the universe of scale models.
After all this, creating an industrial environment using things you find near you, for your photo session will add at your story more and more realism.
But let’s see some photos describing the detailing as well as the final model as it is displayed on my shelf.
All what is in white plastic is scratch build
The front axels detailing and reproduction of the steering system
Some details on the engine and differential system
And the finished model