This item is an injection-plastic military vehicle model kit.
During World War II, the M18 Hellcat was a tank destroyer developed by the U.S. Army to compete with powerful German tanks such as the Tiger and Panther. It was equipped with a high-powered 76mm tank gun on an open-top turret; to secure space inside the turret, the main gun loading section was laid out with a 45-degree rotation around the barrel. In addition, the compact body was designed to be lighter, and an automatic transmission and a torsion bar suspension -- the first used on American tanks -- were used. The star-shaped nine-cylinder gasoline engine mounted on the rear had a maximum speed of over 80km/h, making the Hellcat the fastest tracked vehicle of World War II. Production began in July 1943, and it was welcomed to the front line of the Italian front in 1944. After that, it was dispatched to Northwestern Europe and the Pacific front, and defeated German tanks one after another with hit-and-away tactics that utilized its high-speed performance and firepower. This pioneer in anti-tank combat contributed to the victory of the U.S. military.
This model kit from Tamiya reproduces the Hellcat's fearless style with a rich sense of reality; the inside of the turret, including the main gun loading part, shell rack, radio and swivel gear, give it a dense finish. The texture of the canvas cover attached to the shield is also realistically expressed via 3D scanning technology; the headlight lens is a clear part. The parts for the suspension are integrated to make it easier to assemble; the single-pin type track is a connection type with the straight part integrated. A standing tank soldier figure and decals for two types of vehicles deployed on the Italian front at the end of World War II (805th Tank Destroyer Battalion) are included as well.
- [Size]: 19.2cm long, 8cm wide when completed
- [Includes]: Decals for 2 versions
