M29 Weasel Arctic/Antarctic Expedition Vehicle

Introduction:  This is the third release by TAKOM of the M29 Weasel.  This model is based on the TAKOM M29C (2168) with the addition of a J sprue which contains the parts for the all-weather crew compartment enclosure and auxiliary heater unit.  In addition, the clear sprue (K) is enlarged to include windows for the crew compartment enclosure.

Following the end of World War II many surplus M29s were sold to allied countries such as Norway, Sweden, and France. Many M29s and M29Cs served in Arctic and cold weather operations and for the most part were generally retired from service by the late 1950s.  Following the retirement from the Indochina war, several French weasels were given to the French Polar Expeditions and used at the Antarctic station of Dumont d'Urville up until 1993.

Brian Eberle provided us with very comprehensive first look and full build reviews of the TAKOM M29 Weasel.  The reviews can be found on the AMPS website at https://www.amps-armor.org/SiteReviews/ShowReview.aspx?id=15189 and https://www.amps-armor.org/SiteReviews/ShowReview.aspx?id=15202.

One of the issues with the TAKOM M29 kits is the very fiddly suspension system.  Having built the M29, I can attest that it takes time and patience to build the suspension system.  Brian did a great job in explaining how he addressed the suspension system.  I figured out another method which worked well for me.  I’ll cover this in my full build review.  FC Model Trend has announced a set of 3D printed M29 running gear and track (35423) which might prove to be an alternative to the kit provided suspension system.

 What’s in the Box:  There are 7 sprues of grey plastic, one sprue of clear plastic, lower hull shell, length of wire for the rudder control lines, photo-etched sheet, decal sheet and instruction booklet.  The parts are molded very cleanly with no flash.  The molding details are very crisp and there are a lot of very small plastic and photo-etched parts included in this kit.  When you first pull out the lower hull you might think this is a 1/72 kit.  It’s not, but the overall length of the lower hull is on 3.5”.

The two A sprues which contain the parts for the track and suspension system.  There are several very small parts which are prone to tweezer launch.  Assembly of these parts is shown in instruction steps 1-4.

The C sprue contains most of the parts for the basic interior structure.  Assembly of these parts is shown in instruction steps 5-7.

The E sprue contains most of the detail parts for the interior and exterior such a seats, radio and muffler and exhaust pipe. Assembly of these parts is shown on instruction steps 8-10, 12 and 14-15.

The G sprue contains the parts for the upper hull.  Assembly of these parts is shown in instruction steps 11,13, 14-16 and 18.    

The H sprue contains the detail parts for the upper hull.  Assembly of these parts is shown in instruction steps 14-18.

The J sprue contains the parts for the all-weather crew compartment enclosure and auxiliary heater unit.  Assembly of these parts is shown in instruction steps 19-22.  There are some prominent mold punch out marks on the interior side of part J1 which will need some attention.

The K sprue contains the clear parts for the windshield and windows for the all-weather crew compartment enclosure.  Assembly of these parts is shown in instruction steps 17, 19-21.

The Decal sheet contains the marking for two M29 Weasels. One for the US Army and one for the US Navy.

This kit provides a nice sheet of photo-etched brass and length of wire for the rudder control lines.

TAKOM provides a comprehensive booklet which is commonplace for their models.  This booklet provides the marking schemes for two M29 Weasels.

References:

Bradley, R.P. Hunnicut, Presidio Press, 1999.

Cargo Carrier “Weasel M28, M29, M29C, Allied-Axis, Issue 11, Barry Beaudy, Ampersand Publishing, 2003.

US WWII Studebaker M29 & M29C Weasel, TM 6020, Michael Franz, Tankograd Publishing, 2010.

M29 Weasel Tracked Cargo Carrier & Variants, David Doyle, Pen & Sword Military, 2019.

TAKOM M29 Weasel first look review, Brian Eberle, Armor Modeling and Preservation Society, 2024.

TAKOM M29 Weasel full build review, Brian Eberle, Armor Modeling and Preservation Society, 2024.

Conclusion:  I may be a glutton for punishment, but I jumped at a chance to build this little model.  After building the initial TAKOM M29 Weasel, I think I have figured out how to overcome the challenges of the track and suspension system.  The kit is well molded and has a lot of very small detail parts.  In addition, it will take some patience to shape and fold some of the small photo-etched parts.

NOTE:  The TAKOM Weasels have been on the market long enough that FC Model Trend has announced a set of 3D printed M29 running gear and track (35423) and Star Decals just announced a very colorful marking set for the French E.P.F. Les Expeditions Polaires Francaises (35-C1420)

Highly Recommended for Intermediate to Advanced skill level modelers pending a full build.  The reason I’m not highly recommending this kit for Basis skill level modelers is because the track and suspension and photo-etched details may add a level of frustration to an otherwise fun project.

Thanks goes out to TAKOM for this review kit.

Reviewed by Mike Petty, AMPS Central Virginia

AMPS, President

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