Article number: 300035351
Product: 1:35 US M40 155mm Howitzer SPG (8)
This is an assembly model of the U.S. Self-Propelled 155mm M40. It is a
never before seen subject in the Tamiya line-up of 1/35 scale models.
The kit uses all new tooling with the exception of the suspension parts
as they are from the M4A3E8 Sherman "Easy Eight" model kit. The M40 was
a significant step in U.S. Army artillery mechanization, pairing the M1
155mm gun with the proven M4 Sherman chassis. Armor was light given its
intended use as a long range weapon (they were effective up to 23.5km)
away from the front line, while the layout was changed from the M4 to
allow a big fighting compartment at the rear to accommodate the big gun.
It was fitted with smooth horizontal volute spring suspension (HVSS).
Over 400 were produced before the end of WWII; although they never
fought in the conflict, one example of their T83 prototype did. The M40
served in the Korean War, and was eventually replaced by the M53.