Released in January 2022
TAMIYA 1/35 American tank destroyer M18 Hellcat. TMM376M18 Hellcat Released in January 2022
[Product Introduction]
TAMIYA 1/35 American Tank Destroyer M18 Hellcat.
[A pioneer in anti-tank warfare who was famous for his quick feet]
During World War II, the M18 was a tank destroyer developed by the U.S. Army to compete against powerful German tanks such as the Tiger and Panther. Hellcat. Equipped with a high-power 76mm tank cannon on an open-top turret that emphasizes enemy search power. In order to secure space within the turret, the main gun loading section was laid out with a 45 degree rotation around the gun barrel. In addition, the compact body was pursued to be lightweight, and features such as an automatic transmission and torsion bar suspension, a first for an American tank, were introduced. The 9-cylinder radial gasoline engine mounted at the rear of the vehicle allowed it to achieve a maximum speed of over 80km/h, making it the fastest tracked vehicle in World War II. Production of the Hellcat began in July 1943, and it made its first appearance on the Italian front in 1944. After that, it was dispatched to northwest Europe and the Pacific Theater, defeating German tanks one after another using hit-and-away tactics that took advantage of its high speed and firepower. As a spearhead in anti-tank combat, it contributed to the victory of the American military. This is a 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit of M18 Hellcat. Total length 192mm, total width 80mm. Based on interviews with actual vehicles, the fearless style is realistically reproduced, with a powerful 76mm tank gun mounted on a low-height body. The interior of the turret, including the main gun loading section, shell rack, radio, and swivel gear, is also finished with a sense of density. The texture of the canvas cover attached to the mantlet has also been realistically expressed. The headlight lenses are clear parts. The complex suspension area has been integrated with parts to make it easier to assemble. The single pin type track is a connected type with straight parts integrated. The set includes one full-body statue of a standing tank soldier and two types of markings for vehicles deployed on the Italian front at the end of the war. A compact yet powerful figure that makes use of its high mobility and fights hard is realistically modeled. Two types of markings were selected from among the vehicles belonging to the 805th Tank Destroyer Battalion. The open-top turret is the highlight of the M18. Highlights include not only the high-density interior of the turret where many pieces of equipment are placed, but also the sharp details of the M2 heavy machine gun. Note the main gun loading section, which is mounted at a 45-degree angle in order to secure space within the turret. The ammunition rack and seat are also made into parts with a rich three-dimensional effect. The mantlet's canvas cover uses 3D scanning technology to realistically express wrinkles, texture, and seams. A full-body statue of the commander is included in a highly versatile pose standing with a map in one hand. In addition to 76mm shells and blank cartridges, which are useful for scene production, we also have a 12.7mm machine gun ammunition box. The track adopts a connected assembly type that integrates the straight part. We pursued a sharp pattern. The characteristic openings on the sides of the starting wheel and guide wheel are also faithfully reproduced. The intake/exhaust grille on the top of the vehicle is made up of separate parts, creating a sharp mesh structure. The details of deep areas such as the floor and bulkhead are also detailed. The shells mounted on the sponsons on both sides of the vehicle are also made into parts.
[Product specifications]
1/35 scale unpainted assembly kit□