Tatra 815 8x8 AM9 domiesacvac, FDS, 1:100

**Heiner** · #1 01-03-2021, 03:34 PM

Hi everyone!
A model for "in between" was needed, and again I underestimated charm and complexity of Czech/Slowakian minimodels. I got hooked some time ago on TATRA trucks as world´s oldest truck company (founded in 1850 as coachbuilder, switching to railroad wagons and starting in 1898 with their first car, the "Nesselsdorf Präsident"), who are still building offroad-trucks in their own league. The 815 is possibly the best known model, having served in Cold War times in the Czchoslowakian army as well as later in UN missions and in several civilian roles. I always sort of regretted, that this workhorse did not receive the model it deserved - until someone showed me this free download. I regret to say, that right now I can´t give You a link to where to download it, You have to search Yourself at minimodel.sk.

**rickstef** · #2 01-03-2021, 03:47 PM

I believe that this kit was a thank you from a donation, I have it from 2017, but the other kits in the thank you have made it to the website, just not this one

**Heiner** · #3 01-03-2021, 04:04 PM

@ Rikstef: This might well be! I was able, though, to download it from the homepage, so I guess, that for a certain time it was a free download. Still, if a donation is not out of question, I guess You have a fair chance to get one there.
The first part of the build is the chassis. It is made of the central tubular frame, that contains the whole drivetrain and to which a secondary frame is only added to provide attachment points for the varying coachworks. Which is the reason, why I like this model so much; the 815 is build in modular design with chassis from 4 x 4 to 10 x 10, and the parts here allow us to build the whole family, provided You got blueprints with the right dimensions.

**Heiner** · #4 01-03-2021, 04:23 PM

A model in itself and a treat to build is the motor. The original T3 was built in modular fashion and sold in V8, V10 or V12 configuration. The model is equipped with the medium V10 model, which (like the V12) was no longer continued, when air pollution became an issue; instead, turbochargers were added. Nowadays, by the way, Tatra belongs to the Dutch DAF group, that provides it with the same Paccar MX13 engine, that Kenworth and Peterbuilt use as well. Well, for this one, this still was Science Fiction...

**Dancooper** · #5 01-03-2021, 04:48 PM

I'm confused... you say it was science fiction... so this truck never actually existed ?

**Heiner** · #6 01-03-2021, 05:04 PM

Right now, I´m busy with the cabin. As the model was intended to be something special (sucessfully, as far as I am concerned), an interior was provided, that is core of the cabin. After it´s predecessor, the Tatra 813 with a fixed cabin, the 815 was the first Tatra with a tipping cabin for better accessabilty of the motor (which suits me fine, otherwise I could never again watch the engine...).
Here is my first point of critique, so far: You can deduct from a sketch in the building instructions, what exactly the position of the secondary frame to the chassis is (a mark on the secondary frame would be helpful), but it shows as well, that the secondary frame is about 5 mm too short. I added therefore 2 strips from evergreen profiles to the front, which would have done great as secondary frame from the very beginning, which I will keep in mind for later variations. Without, the cabin would have to be fixed to the secondary frame to remain in the right position.
It would be nice, of course, to open at least one door to show more of the interior, but this requires a lot of additional stability and will be provided later on with one of the Dakar models. The first dry-fitting looks promising so far...

**Heiner** · #7 01-03-2021, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dancooper

I'm confused... you say it was science fiction... so this truck never actually existed ?

ah, sorry - no, that was misleading. The truck exists, and probably will still do so for a long time after (Tatras are considered to be pretty indestructable in many places). What I meant was, that a turbocharger was not to be foreseen, when the truck appeared, and much less Paccar engines. These are workhorses and were willingly kept simple to be repaired with least possible ado. Turbos tend to complicate things, and American engines in East bloc trucks - well, maybe a fairy tale, not "Science fiction"...

**papermate** · #8 01-03-2021, 06:09 PM

Fantastic work, and very inspirational.

**LuPa** · #9 01-04-2021, 05:46 AM

Wooow, nice detailed minimodel

**Heiner** · #10 01-05-2021, 04:29 PM

@ papermate: thank You very much! Your Advent Calender makes me even prouder of Your praise.
Meanwhile, the cabin made further progress. The hinge is made from a second printout of the secondary frame, cut to size and attached over the new tips of the secondary frame. Fender, steps and stirrups belong under the cabin, so, once attached, the cabin has to be fixed right away onto the secondary frame. I did not yet put on the outer "wallpapers" on the cabin, as I wanted to assemble them without more fissures than inevitable. So far, everything came together fine.