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
