M561 GAMA GOAT

TAMIYA 35330

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The M561 Gama Goat is a unique six-wheel-drive semi-amphibious off-road vehicle developed for the U.S. military during the Vietnam War era. Officially designated as the M561 6×6 tactical 1¼-ton truck, it earned its quirky nickname from Roger Gamaunt, the inventor of its innovative articulation joint, combined with its "goat-like" agility over rough terrain. An ambulance variant, the M792, was also produced for medical evacuations. Conceived in the early 1960s under Project Agile to address mobility challenges in jungles and wetlands, the Gama Goat was designed by Chance Vought (later LTV Aerospace) and manufactured by Consolidated Diesel Electric Corporation (CONDEC) from 1969 to 1973. Approximately 15,274 units were built, with the majority serving the U.S. Army and about 1,758 allocated to the Marine Corps. It replaced older vehicles like the M37 but was eventually succeeded by the Humvee in the 1980s.

The vehicle's articulated design features two aluminum bodies—a front tractor with four wheels and a rear carrier with two—connected by a joint that allows pitching and rolling for superior off-road performance, while providing power to all six wheels. Powered by a Detroit Diesel 3-53 three-cylinder engine producing 101 horsepower, it has a curb weight of about 7,300 pounds, a payload capacity of 2,900 pounds, and dimensions of 226.6 inches long, 83.8 inches wide, and 90.8 inches high. Top speed reaches around 56 mph, with a range of 420 miles.

Despite its exceptional cross-country mobility and air-transportability, the Gama Goat faced criticism for excessive noise, maintenance difficulties, and limited amphibious capabilities in calm waters only. Today, it remains a fascinating relic of military engineering, prized by collectors for its unconventional design and historical significance in tactical logistics.

A military vehicle with six rugged tires driving through muddy terrain, with a person inside wearing military gear and a helmet. In the background, there are leafless trees and a partially destroyed building.

Scale model of a military truck with a person figure inside, in front view, with rugged tires and detailed features.

A scale model of a green military transport truck with a soldier figure seated at the wheel, photographed against a plain white background.

Model military truck in green with a driver figure, detailed wheels, and a cargo area at the back, labeled 'Abyssware Scale Models'.

Scale model of a military all-terrain vehicle with a green camouflage pattern, featuring a driver figure wearing a helmet, and yardage rails on the back, placed on a plain white background.

Model of a military cargo truck with a driver figure, painted in green camouflage, against a white background.

Scale model of a military green armored truck with a soldier figure inside, set against a white background.

A detailed model of a military green all-terrain vehicle with a soldier figure inside, part of AbyssWares Scale Models, on a white background.

Scale model of a military green cargo truck with a driver figure in the cab, set against a white background.

A detailed scale model of a military off-road vehicle with a camouflage pattern, four large rugged tires, a small driver figure inside, and a cargo area with railings at the back, against a plain white background.

Miniature model of a military vehicle, a green off-road truck with a driver figure in uniform, against a white background, with the branding 'Abyssware Scale Models' in the corner.

Scale model of a military green pickup truck with an open cargo bed, a driver figure, and large rugged tires on a white background.

Scale model of a military off-road vehicle with a figure in military uniform driving, painted in camouflage colors, displayed on a white background.

Scale model of a military green four-wheel drive truck with a driver figure inside, set against a plain white background. The model includes detailed military features and weathering effects.

A detailed scale model of a military green off-road truck with a figurine of a soldier driving, featuring rugged tires, a windshield, and various equipment details.

A scale model of a military jeep with a driver figurine wearing a helmet and military uniform, set against a plain background.

A detailed scale model of a military off-road vehicle with a mounted figure of a soldier in a helmet, green camouflage paint, and rugged tires, built by AbyssWare Scale Models.

Scale model of a military cargo truck with muddy tires and green camouflage paint, by AbyssWares.

Note: The images presented bellow feature photographs of actual scale models, enhanced with AI-generated backgrounds and environments for visual effect. These visuals are intended for illustrative and artistic purposes only and should not be interpreted as real photographs or historical references.

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A military scene with a vintage green military vehicle in the foreground, soldiers in uniform standing behind a chain-link fence, a sign reading 'U.S. Army Garrison Frankfurt,' and a large army tent in the background.

Military vehicle on a dirt path near green tents in a field with trees and soldiers in the background.

A vintage military-style green off-road vehicle with large tires and a transparent windshield, parked outdoors on a gravel surface, with a person dressed in military clothing sitting in the driver's seat. There is an old warehouse building and some r

Military vehicle with a driver sitting inside, parked on a gravel area near barbed wire fences and army buildings, with soldiers and green hills in the background.

A vintage military vehicle, a green armored transport truck, parked on a dirt and cobblestone path next to an old stone building with wooden doors in a rural setting.

A military green, vintage, heavy-duty vehicle with a soldier inside, parked on a tarmac, with old utilitarian buildings and rusted equipment in the background.

Military personnel in a camouflage uniform walking outside a camp with tents surrounded by trees and forest, with a military vehicle driving on a dirt path in the foreground.

A military-style all-terrain vehicle with a person wearing a hat inside, parked in a grassy field with rocks and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

A vintage military truck parked on a cobblestone road next to a rustic house with open shutters on a rural farm.

Military personnel setting up tents in a green forested area, with a green military vehicle driving on a muddy dirt road in the foreground.

A military scene with a green armored vehicle on muddy ground, soldiers in camouflage in the background, some near tents and others toward distant vehicles, in a forested area.

A military vehicle driving through muddy terrain with a soldier inside, and a ruined building in the background.

Army truck driving through muddy field with military tents and soldiers in camouflage in the background.

A military vehicle driving through a muddy battlefield with a damaged house in the background and fallen trees.

A military vehicle is parked on a devastated landscape with burnt and destroyed buildings in the background, and smoke rising in the sky.

A military green all-terrain vehicle driving over rocky, grassy terrain with a dense tree forest in the background.

A highly detailed scale model of a military scene with a woman soldier holding a rifle in front of a military truck and a male soldier in the truck. The scene is set against a black background.