Tamiya 35323 1/35 Israeli M51 Tank

Old Tank, New Gun

During the 1960s, the Israeli Defense Forces upgraded their M4A1 Sherman tanks by equipping them with the powerful French 105mm CN-105-F1 tank gun and they were redesignated as M51s. A muzzle brake was installed to minimize the greater recoil effect and a large counterweight was fitted to the rear of the turret to offset the long barrel. The 460hp diesel engine and the combination of the Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS) and wider T80 tracks gave the M51 improved mobility. During the Six-Day War in 1967, the M51s were used against newer T-54/55 tanks as well as JS-3 tanks from Egyptian, Iraqi, and Syrian armies and proved their superiority.

Features

• 1/35 scale plastic assembly kit of the M51. Length: 257mm, Width: 86mm.
• Distinctive form of the tank is accurately reproduced based on a thorough study of an actual museum example. The cast turret has rich finish.
• Realistic HVSS suspension and T80 tracks.
• Commander & loader figures, plus 3 types of marking options included.
• The model is accurately reproduced based on the thorough study of an actual example at The Armored Corps Memorial Site and Museum at Latrun, Israel.
• The tank's imposing form including the turret with large counterweight has been accurately reproduced.
• Commander and loader figures provide a great scale presence. Note the realistic surface texture of the mantlet.
• The complicated shape of the muzzle brake is faithfully rendered.
• HVSS is detailed and yet not overly complex and belt-type tracks enable easy assembly.