MGM's 1/72 Austro-Daimler Artilleriezugwagen M.17 with ammo trailer
by Jörg Schneider

In 1916 the Austro-Hungarian forces were looking for a better artillery tractor in order to move their heavy 30,5 cm Skoda mortars. The chosen firm was once again Austro-Daimler after disappointments with other manufacturers. The new vehicle which had four-wheel drive and a winch was able to tow 24 tons. The four big wheels which were 1,5 m in diameter were made only of steel, because rubber had to be saved. The four cylinder motor produced 80 HP. On the tractor’s platform there was enough room for eleven shells. The other ones were transported in the big 5 ton ammunition trailer, which also ran on steel wheels. It was also usedto tow other heavy guns, like the 15cm Autokanone M.15/16.

The exact number of produced vehicles is unclear and varies from 138 till 1000. At least some tractors seem to have been delivered to the German ally. After the war it was use by the Austrian Army.

The yellow resin is very hard and fragile. Be especially careful with tractor’s steel wheels and entry ladders (in worst case you have to reproduce them with fine wire). As the sprues are very thick, you will have to use an electronic tool.There are a lot of small parts and, unfortunately, no plan where to put them.

I added some further details: two wing holders were made from fine wire. A small lamp was put on the left wing. A big one was fixed in front of the radiator grill on a turned-up V-type holder. A starter crank was fixed off-balance to the right-hand front. A long number plate from plastic sheet was added in front of the radiator grill above the lamp. The other narrow one belongs beneath the platform at back. The plates were white with black inscriptions as for example AVIII234. Some wooden crates and a oil barrel found place on both platforms. I still have to reproduce enough shells in resine.

As I had no special indication of the vehicle’s exact colour, I chose  a light green (Humbrol 159) as this colour was used for Austrian guns. Sometimes there were white unit abbreviations on the vehicles.

MGM now offers a figure kit of four seated Austro-Hungarian soldiers: a driver, an officer with his sword and two passengers. I advise to fix the steering wheel only after painting driver and co-driver. For the uniforms I chose a dark grey (more typically after 1916 than the bluish pike-grey). A small vertical red braid at the collars is representing the artillery branch. Do not forget the yellow and black national cockade at the fieldcap’s front.

For a review of the Trailer, click here!

The kits of MGM can can be bought through through Smallscale.de, 7th Company or Blitzkrieg Models.
 

A very nicely detailed kit. Sometimes it might be a bit difficult to get all four wheels firm to the ground. Unfortunately, there is little information in the literature or on internet regarding this vehicle.