Trumpeter 01079 KET-T Recovery Vehicle Based on MAZ-537 Heavy Truck 1/35 – plastic model kit

Trumpeter 01079 KET-T Recovery Vehicle is a unique, highly detailed 1/35 scale plastic model kit, recreating one of the most iconic recovery vehicles of the Cold War era. The kit represents the heavy KET-T vehicle, based on the legendary Soviet high-mobility transporter MAZ-537 8x8, used by the Soviet Army since the 1960s and still in operation today by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation as well as other countries of the former Eastern Bloc.

• Scale: 1/35
• Country of Use: USSR/Russia, other post-Soviet countries
• Historical Period: Cold War, modern times
• Category: Plastic model kit
• Material: High-quality plastic
• Set Contents: Detailed sprues with parts, decals, assembly instructions (glue and paints not included)
• Model Features: Realistic replication of the recovery frame, winch, hoists, chassis details and cabin, components for assembling service equipment

The KET-T was originally developed for the Soviet Army as a specialized recovery and repair vehicle, designed for retrieving damaged, submerged, or bogged-down 8x8 combat vehicles such as tanks and armored personnel carriers. Its famous 15-ton winch with a 100-meter-long cable, combined with multiple pulleys, allowed for a towing force of up to 80 tons, which enabled it to recover vehicles even in the most challenging terrain conditions. The design also includes two hydraulic stabilizers, welding equipment, and a frame that can be used for both towing and lifting damaged vehicles.

The Trumpeter model features excellent detailing and high-quality sprues. Construction elements of the cabin as well as the recovery mechanisms are precisely replicated, satisfying both collectors and advanced modelers. However, the kit does not include photo-etched parts or resin accessories – all components are made from accurately molded plastic.

I rate the assembly difficulty level of this model at 4/5 – the kit is intended for intermediate and advanced modelers who will appreciate the abundance of details and numerous possibilities for customizing the vehicle's finish.

The Trumpeter KET-T model is an excellent choice for enthusiasts of military technology, Cold War history, and collectors of Soviet vehicles. I highly recommend this kit to anyone looking for an impressive and unconventional model for their collection!