Takom T29

The T29 heavy tank was the U.S. Army’s answer to the German 70-ton King Tiger. However, the war in Europe ended before production commenced and the Army canceled the plans. Still, several test tanks were completed to evaluate experimental components.

Takom’s T29 is welcome in a market flooded with Tigers and Panthers. Four marking options are provided for the large model, including a couple of “what if” multicolor camouflaged tanks as if the war had lasted until the T29 was operational. Extra parts are used in Takom’s related T29E3 and T30/34 kits.

Many of the 407 parts go into the suspension, and I spent a good deal of time masking and painting the 32 wheels and assembling the link-and-length tracks. After painting the lower hull, I attached the wheels to use as jig to build the tracks. I carefully glued the links together but not to the wheels. I left the final join loose so I could slip the track onto the model after painting.

You get a choice of posing the periscopes up or down; I chose the former. I masked the periscopes, cupola vision blocks, and headlights with a mix of equal parts white glue and water.

The kit also offers optional 105mm main guns and mantlets either with or without the canvas mantlet cover. I used the canvas cover option, painting it Tamiya Khaki. I left the fender skirts separate and painted the tank with Testors Model Master Olive Drab. The decals were opaque and went on nicely over a little clear gloss.

Takom’s T29 was a trouble-free build and looks impressive when done. I spent 35 hours on mine and can easily recommend it to anyone with one or two armor models under their belt.