In recent weeks the cavalcade of new vehicles rolling out of the Dragon model works has shown no signs of abating, with more new subjects appearing almost on a daily basis. The latest two vehicles to see the light of day are a pair of M65 Atomic cannons – one portraying the vehicle in travel mode and the other in a firing configuration. Known colloquially as the “Atomic Annie”, the gun was an artillery piece built by the United States and capable of firing a nuclear device. It was developed in the early 1950s, at the beginning of the Cold War; and fielded between April 1955 and December 1962, in West Germany, South Korea and on the Japanese island of Okinawa.
The cannon was transported by two specially designed tractors in the same manner as railroad Schnabel cars. Both tractors were capable of independent steering in the manner of some extra-long fire trucks. Each of the tractors was rated at 375 horsepower (280 kW), and the somewhat awkward combination could achieve speeds of 35 miles per hour (56 km/h) and negotiate right-angle turns on 28-foot (8.5 m) wide paved or packed roads. The artillery piece could be unlimbered in 12 minutes, then returned to traveling configuration in another 15 minutes. The gun was deployed by lowering it from the tractors onto levelled ground. The whole gun assembly was balanced on a ball and socket joint so that it could be swung around the footplate. The traverse was limited by a curved track placed under the rear of the gun.
Due to its size, the new M65s will obviously command a retail price well in excess of the $39.99-$44.99 range their current vehicles are commanding, and will more likely weigh in at around $89.99 apiece, and no doubt be nestled in much larger and heavier packaging. A Cyber Hobby limited edition version may also be in the works, although nothing yet has been discussed by the manufacturer. We hope that these new vehicles will be available for the holidays but with the current logjam still affecting our ports, its not clear if they will indeed be made available for the approaching holidays.
On a separate note, its truly refreshing to see this dynamic model maker both returning to its roots and producing subjects collectors have been hoping to see for years. Well done Dragon and keep them coming!