American M10 Tank Destroyer (Mid production) (Tamiya)

This is the Tamiya 35 350-3800 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘US M10 Tank Destroyer (Mid production)’.

US M10 Tank Destroyer (Mid production)

History

This versatile AFV was developed largely to give U.S forces a potential counter to the German armor tactics which proved successful in the early stages of WWII.

It utilized the successful M4A2 Sherman chassis with diesel powerplant, and mounted the 76.2mm gun in an open-top rotating turret; the hull featured extensive use of sloped armor, kept thin so as not to hinder maneuverability. Bosses were used on the turret and hull to facilitate the affixation of additional armor.

Around 5,000 M10s were manufactured between September 1942 and December 1943, and it featured in action across North Africa and western Europe, its 3-inch gun and excellent maneuverability making it an asset for Allied forces.

Source: Tamiya website

Manufacturer

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German Jerry Can Set (Tamiya)

This is the Tamiya 35 315 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘German Jerry Can set (Early type)’.

German Jerry Can set (Early type)

History

Essential Equipment for Early WWII German Vehicles – Jerry cans used by the German army featured a functional design. Early-type cans featured simple cross-shaped indentations for structural reinforcement while later types had more complex indentation patterns.

Early-type cans were seen from the Polish campaign to North Africa and the beginning of the Russian campaign, and some were continuously used until the latter half of the war.

Source: Tamiya website

Manufacturer

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American M1A1 Abrams w/ Mine Plow (Tamiya)

This is the Tamiya 35 158-3400 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘US M1A1 Abrams w/ Mine Plow’.

US M1A1 Abrams w/ Mine Plow

History

Developed during the early 1980’s, the M1 Abrams tank benefited from the latest technological wonders of the time, giving it enormous advantage on any battlefield. The turret, being very angular and squat, had a very roomy interior. This angular design was combined with Chobham armor for excellent protection against the kinetic energy from hollow charge projectiles.

The hull sides and rear panels are vertical, with only the front angled to deflect anti-tank shots. The 1500 horsepower Avco-Lycoming AGT-1500 turbine engine provides remarkable speed and maneuverability plus being regarded as one of the quietest tank powerplants available today. During the mid 1980’s the M1 underwent an improvement program to upgrade its 105mm gun to the type M256 120mm smoothbore cannon.

The armor at the frontal area of the lower hull front and turret was also increased, and it was given the new designation of “M 1A1”. Other improvements are seen in the enlarged rear turret bustle stowage rack, a new style crosswind sensor, a revised gunner’s sightmount, plus reinforced suspension and transmission unit.

One of the more specialized pieces of equipment utilized on this tank is a detachable plow for uncovering and neutralizing mine fields. Land mines are a menacing problem for both humans and vehicles during any conflict, and the operations of this specialized M1A1 helped clear the way for troops following the tanks during the recent Gulf conflict.

Source: Tamiya website

Manufacturer

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Russian Tank Destroyer ISU-152 (Zvezda)

This is the Zvezda 3532 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘Russian Tank Destroyer ISU-152’.

Russian Tank Destroyer ISU-152

History

The ISU-152 marks its beginning on January 24, 1943. This was the moment of appearance of the first fighting vehicle of this family. It was designated Object 236 (Объект 236), using the same concept as the SU-152.

The Object 236 was completed in Factory No. 100 in Chelyabinsk, and on the same day, January 24, underwent trials on the Chebarkulski artillery range, 107 km from Chelyabinsk. By February 7, 1943 the trials were over, passed with success. On February 14 the vehicle was adopted and put on production under the KV-14 (КВ-14) designation.

In April 1943 was ordered KV-14 to be henceforth designated SU-152 (СУ-152). In time, the combat performance of SU-152, based on the KV-1S tank, made necessary the modernization of the vehicle, using the new IS tank as a base.

Source: Wikipedia

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Russian BT-7, Model 1935 (Tamiya)

This is the Tamiya 35 309-3800 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘Russian BT-7, Model 1935’.

Russian BT-7, Model 1935

History

The Russian Fast Tank – The BT-7 was a Russian tank produced from 1935 which incorporated some design features from tanks developed by American engineer Walter Christie. “BT” stood for “Bystrokhodny Tank (Fast Tank)” and the tank featured an excellent maneuverability.

Equipped with a 47mm main gun, it was one of the better-armed tanks of that period and it also had sloped frontal armor, a feature that would make its way into later tanks such as the T-34.

BT-7s were first deployed during the Spanish Civil War and also took part in battles against German forces on the Eastern Front until enough T-34s became available to replace them.

Source: Tamiya website

Manufacturer

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