Oxford Diecast 76DT007

Diamond T Tank Transporter and Trailer US Army

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

In real life, 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, several thousand were purchased by the British Army in particular. The heavyweight Diamond T980 was ideally suited to operating on rugged terrain and proved particularly invaluable in recovering battle-damaged tanks.  It remained in military service right into the 1950s with a few still being used through to 1971. 

Here we see it as deployed by its home nation with the US Army. It appears in the drab dark green with black radiator slots and black interior.  The US white star appears on the sides of the cab doors, the back of the trailer and also on the bonnet, whilst its military numbering is printed in blue along the edges of the bonnet and on the back of the trailer.  Additional alphanumeric identification including the registration plate features in white - ASCZ 3595 and TRK 27 – on the front bumper with the white star displayed between.

Catalogue listing

Oxford Diecast Diamond T Tank Transporter and Trailer – US Army

Manufacturer part number: 76DT007. The model represents the early British Railways crest period.

The vehicle depicted is a 12‑ton, 6 × 4‑axle M20 Diamond T model T980 ballast tractor coupled with a companion trailer. It was manufactured in Chicago by the Diamond T Company, which produced over 6 500 units between 1941 and 1945. Designed as a heavy prime mover for tank transport, several thousand were purchased by the British Army and proved especially useful on rough terrain and for recovering battle‑damaged tanks. The type remained in military service into the 1950s, with a few examples still in use up to 1971.

In the die‑cast version the livery is drab dark green with black radiator slots and a black interior. The US white star appears on the cab doors, the rear of the trailer and the bonnet. Military numbering is printed in blue along the bonnet edges and on the back of the trailer, while additional alphanumeric identification is shown in white: registration plate ASCZ 3595 and TRK 27 on the front bumper, with the white star displayed between them.