Building the Pola 'Lanz Bulldog' tractor kit...

[James Hilton]

I was looking for a realistic load for my outdoor G-scale railway, that is loosely based on the Austrian narrow gauge lines between 1950-1980.

Most freight was either complete trees, logs, or wood - however I wanted a little variety. I came across the perfect model, a 1:22 (not a very common scale in agricultural machinery modelling) tractor, made specifically by Pola (now owner by Faller) for the LGB scale.

This is a model of a European tractor, the 'Lanz Bulldog' - and the kit dates from 1990, although it is still included in a number of current Pola kits, you can no longer buy it on it's own. I found mine second hand from G&M Farm Models here in the UK.

I discovered that although my kit was complete, but without instructions so I've spent a pleasant day relaxing, working it out myself and assembling the kit. The only modifications to the finish are I have painted the brass steering control wires black, otherwise this is how it builds out of the box. An excellent kit, and despite being 20 odd years old, one that went together very well.

[shortliner]

Interesting to see that it comes with ejector seat!

[halfwit]

Nice looking model, and nicely built as well.

.

These were, if I remember correctly, single cylinder machines not unlike the Field Marshall. I wonder if they 'nodded' like the FM when idling?

[James Hilton]

Thanks Paul - the kit is pre-painted, and 'weathered' with a wash of very thin black paint - but in the garden you don't tend to notice these sorts of things and I'm pleased with it

 

There aren't many vehicle kits suitable for LGB (1:22) so this was worth tracking down