Eastern Front Maultier Truck From Dragon Models

Dragon models is releasing a very much wanted German truck. The Maultier German Army Half Track. It is being released soon by Dragon Models in 1/35th scale. AFV News has the details:

Modelers have been anticipating the arrival of a contemporary kit of the famous semi-trackedMaultier, whose name means “mule”. The origin dated from 1941 when German troops fighting on the Eastern Front quickly bogged down in the treacherously muddy conditions at the start and close of wintertime.

Wheeled trucks couldn’t handle the tough conditions, so the decision was made to obtain half-tracked trucks that could negotiate the mud. The rear axles of standard cargo trucks were replaced with drive shafts connected to track assemblies from retired Panzer I light tanks. The 7.1-tonneMaultier, introduced from 1942 onwards, was largely successful although they weren’t quite as mobile as purpose-built halftracks. Load capacity was also reduced to 2 tons. Production of some 4,000 vehicles ceased in 1943 in favor of the RSO tractor.

Source : AFV News
Image Source: Dragon Model USA

It is available for pre-order right now at Dragon Model USA. Release date is set sometime in July 2012.