Tamiya Announces 1/35 M36 U.S. Tank Destroyer

Tamiya Announces Highly Anticipated 1/35 M36 U.S. Tank Destroyer (New Tooling)

Tamiya, a name synonymous with quality in plastic kits and model making, has officially announced the upcoming release of their 1/35 scale M36 U.S. Tank Destroyer (Item No. 35390). Priced at £38.95 and available for pre-order, this kit is set to be a significant addition for military and tank enthusiasts, representing a complete new tooling of this iconic WWII vehicle.

The M36 Tank Destroyer: A “Tank Killer” of WWII

The M36, often nicknamed “Jackson” by the Ordnance Department, was a crucial American tank destroyer developed during World War II. Its creation was a direct response to the formidable German Tiger and Panther tanks, which proved largely impervious to the 76.2mm guns of earlier U.S. tank destroyers like the M10. Mounted on an M10A1 chassis (which itself was based on the reliable M4 Sherman), the M36 featured a potent 90mm gun M3 in a new, open-topped turret.

First seeing action on the Franco-German border in October 1944, the M36 quickly earned a reputation for its ability to combat heavy German armor.⁵ Over 1,000 M36s were deployed among 21 battalions, significantly contributing to the Allied advance until the German surrender in May 1945. Its firepower made it one of the few Allied vehicles capable of destroying German heavy tanks at long distances. While its open turret offered excellent visibility and communication, it also left the crew vulnerable. The M36’s effectiveness extended beyond WWII, seeing use in the Korean War against Soviet-made tanks, and serving with various nations well into the 1990s.

Tamiya’s New 1/35 Scale M36 Kit (35390):

This new Tamiya kit is a complete recreation from the ground up, moving far beyond their original 1968 motorized release. It promises exceptional detail and accuracy based on extensive research of the actual tank.

Key Features Expected:

• 1/35 Scale: The widely popular scale for military model enthusiasts, perfect for dioramas.
• New Tooling: Almost all parts are newly designed, ensuring modern molding quality and precision (except for the M2 heavy machine gun and transparent parts, which are standard Tamiya components from other kits).
• Faithful Replication: The distinctive open-top turret form is accurately captured.
• Detailed Turret Interior: Includes intricate details such as the 90mm gun breech and auxiliary machinery.
• Realistic Counterweight: The prominent jutting turret rear counterweight is authentically depicted with its curved form and cast surface patterns, utilizing slide molding for ease of assembly.
• Full Interior Details: The hull interior features realistic depictions of shell racks, floor, and bulkheads.
• Accessories: Parts to recreate exhaust deflector, tow hooks, and tow cables are included. Ammunition cases and one full-body tanker figure are also provided.
• Assembly Type Tracks: Tracks feature one-piece straight sections for simplified assembly.
• Marking Options: Comes with two marking options: one for a 3rd Army vehicle in Luxembourg and another for a 774th Tank Destroyer Battalion vehicle in Germany.

Expert Modeler’s Perspective:

Tamiya‘s new tooling for the M36 is big news for tank modelers. The promise of a full interior, combined with Tamiya’s renowned engineering for fit and ease of assembly, suggests a highly enjoyable and rewarding build. The inclusion of new parts throughout signifies a fresh approach to this important vehicle. Modelers will appreciate the attention to the turret’s unique shape and cast texture. Given the open-top nature, the detailed interior will be a fantastic canvas for painting and weathering.

Pre-Order Now:

This highly anticipated 1/35 scale plastic kit of the M36 U.S. Tank Destroyer is now available for pre-order at £38.95. Its release marks a significant event for military hobby enthusiasts.

Conclusion:

Tamiya’s new 1/35 M36 U.S. Tank Destroyer is poised to become a definitive kit of this vital WWII vehicle. With its all-new tooling, comprehensive interior, and Tamiya’s reputation for quality, it’s a must-have for any tank or military model making enthusiast. Get your pre-order in to ensure you don’t miss out on this exceptional release.