Oxford Diecast 76DT001

Diamond T980 Tank Transporter TRC Western Desert 1942 G

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Eras
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest
Era 5 (1956 to 1966) British Railways Late Crest
Era 6 (1967 to 1972) British Rail Blue (Pre-TOPS)
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)

Manufacturer description

Used extensively by the Allied Armies, the vehicle comprised a 12 ton 6 x 4 axle M20 Diamond T model T980 ballast tractor and companion trailer. The vehicle originated in the USA, built by the Diamond T Company in Chicago who produced over 6500 between 1941-1945. Designed as a heavy prime mover for tank transporting, the vehicle caught the attention of the British Army who purchased several thousands of the vehicle, which were subject to a few slight modifications to meet British requirements. Used extensively by the well-trained Royal Army Service Corps crews, particularly in the rugged terrain of North Africa, the Diamond T980 was invaluable in recovering battle-damaged tanks. It remained in military service right into the 1950s with a few still being used through to 1971. The model is all-over sand colour, as used under desert conditions, with black chassis and interior. The British Formation badge with the gold camel on a black background, the sign of the GHQ in the Middle East including Egypt, is printed on the front wing and to one side of the rear. The RASC initials feature prominently and note the diagonal white cross on the cab roof, denoting its identity from the air. Its identification numbers/letters are also printed in black and white on the body. After the War, the Army sold off many of the vehicles to heavy haulage and recovery specialists, notably Pickfords and Wynns.

Catalogue listing

Oxford Diecast Diamond T980 Tank Transporter TRC Western Desert 1942 G is a 1:76 die‑cast model (manufacturer part number 76DT001) that represents a British Railways early crest period. The vehicle depicted is a 12‑ton Diamond T model T980 ballast tractor with a 6 × 4 axle configuration, fitted with a companion trailer for tank transport.

The real Diamond T980 was built in Chicago by the Diamond T Company, with over 6 500 units produced between 1941 and 1945. The British Army purchased several thousand, made minor modifications to suit UK requirements and employed the tractors extensively in North Africa during the Western Desert campaign. They remained in service into the 1950s, with a few examples still operating up to 1971, and were later sold to civilian heavy‑haul and recovery firms such as Pickfords and Wynns.

The model is finished in an all‑over sand colour to reflect desert service, with a black chassis and interior. Markings include the British Formation badge with a gold camel on a black background, the RASC initials, a diagonal white cross on the cab roof for aerial identification, and black‑and‑white identification numbers on the body.