IPMS/USA Detail Review: Griffon Models 1/35 Update Set for Rear Suspension with Spring-loaded Idler for WWII American Half-Track Series

Griffon Models

1/35 Update Set for Rear Suspension with Spring-loaded Idler
For WWII American Half-Track kits

Stock Number: 35A035

Reviewed By Jim Stratton, IPMS# 20703

MSRP: $7.20
Distributor's website: www.dragonmodelsusa.com

This update set comes in the typical Griffon Model packaging that includes color pictures of the update pieces on an assembled suspension for the Dragon series of half tracks and also a sheet of instructions and two small brass frets.

They are marked for use with the M16 half-track with the spring loaded idler; however, the parts can be used on any American half-track used in WWII. This detail set is meant to dress up the Dragon suspension pieces with details that are missing from the plastic kit and seen on all purpose built M16s. The half-track suspension went through various changes during the production cycle. Some vehicle suspensions had drain holes located on the main support bracket (Dragon part #D21). Others had an oval hole located on each side of the VVS housing (Dragon part # D32). All these holes were outlined with small weld beads to give a raised surface. In addition some vehicle suspensions had casting numbers forged on one side of the suspension housing. All vehicles had the return rollers mounted to the housing with bolts, and the left suspension also had a bracket to hold the end of the exhaust pipe. This update set gives you all the missing detail parts needed to dress up the Dragon suspension. These parts include all the circular weld beads for the drain holes, as well as weld beads for the oval holes on the sides of the VVS housing. The set also includes bolt heads for the return roller supports and a bracket with a section of brass wire to make the support and U clamp for the exhaust pipe. For added detail the set includes two styles of casting numbers and very small brass wedges to place on the outboard side of the return roller supports. On the real vehicle this wedge is part of the cast housing. I believe it was used to assist the alignment of the return roller brackets when mounting to the top of the VVS housing. The set includes extras of all the parts, so when the carpet monster eats one or two pieces you can still complete the suspension.

The instructions albeit concise do have some omissions. For instance, they give the location of the oval shaped holes on the side of the VSS housing; however, they do not tell you what size the hole should be. They also state that the oval shaped hole should be cut out using a hobby knife. This method seemed at best difficult. Instead, I used a #53 (.060) drill bit and drilled two holes then cut out the small piece left in between the holes to make the oval. They also indicate where the small drain hole should be but again they do not indicate how big the hole should be. I used a #70 (.028) bit to drill these holes.

When looking at the exhaust pipe support, part # H3 you can clearly see a fold groove, but the instructions make no mention of the needed 90 degree bend. This plate (part H3) that supports the end of the exhaust pipe has two pre-drilled holes that are for the brass wire, used to make the U clamp. I found the wire to be a larger diameter than the holes in H3. This required slightly reaming out the holes with the tip of a sharp #11 blade. Be careful and don’t ream too much.

Installation of these parts to the Dragon parts can be tricky. I have built a few of the Dragon half-tracks and while scratch building these parts I found a quick way to get them placed accurately on the model piece. After drilling the correct diameter hole in the Dragon piece, remove the drill bit from the holder. Invert the bit and stick the shank of the bit through the hole on the etch piece and then the hole. Now work the etch piece down the shank to the plastic piece. It can be glued in place with a small drop of CY glue. I used this method for the circular and oval weld beads.

If you are building a specific vehicle it is necessary to look over your vehicle references to see which type of suspension was used on the particular vehicle you are modeling. It may have the oval cutout and then it may not. The use of the casting numbers is also optional and vehicle specific I have seen many photos of half-tracks and casting numbers are not always present. However, for any generic half-track the set would add fine detail missed by the kit manufacturer. As stated above, I have built a few of these half-tracks and spent time scratch building these specific items that are included in this update set.

This update set took me a little over two hours to complete. About an hour of that time was measuring and drilling the holes. I did not include the time looking through the carpet monster for the pieces I dropped!

In the real vehicle, when the suspension has the large oval hole, you can see the upper part of the VVS. This is not visible in the Dragon kit. However; you really can’t see too much through the hole anyways. The purist may want to scratch build the upper springs, but I just painted the part (Dragon part #D34) visible through the oval opening flat black. This was an easy solution.

This is an affordable update set that adds a lot of missing detail to the Dragon suspension. Even though the parts are small and finicky it is not above the ability of the average modeler with photo-etch experience. This would be a good starting set for someone new to photo etch and it would add noticeable detail to the Dragon kit. Due to the necessity of measuring, drilling and cutting, I recommended this detail set for any modeler in the intermediate or above skill level. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to accurately build a Dragon M16 and any other American Half Track where this detail is needed.

I would like to thank Dragon Models USA and Griffon Model for the review sample.