Hobby Master Archive

Authentic Detailing Pre-Painted by professionals Accurate paint colors Markings Tampo (pad) applied Fully Assembled Die-Cast Model True to Scale (1:72) Weathering and insignias Turret turns Metal turret and main gun Realistic tracks Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG3401 M-10 Tank Destroyer 634th Tank Destroyer Battalion with the 1st Infantry Division Aachen Germany, October 1944

THESE ARE PRE-PRODUCTION PICTURES, NOT THE FINAL PRODUCT

On December 16, 1941 the 634th Tank Destroyer Battalion was formed. On June 30 1944 the Battalion landed on Utah Beach with “A” and “B” Companies supporting the 1st Infantry Division (Big Red 1) and “C” Company supporting the 4th Infantry Division. The 634th played a major role in the Allied breakout at St. Lo to begin the drive eastward to the Siegfried Line and beyond. After many hard fought encounters with German forces the 634th took part in the capture of the high ground at Mortain resulting in the famous “Falaise Pocket”.

Moving east at 20 miles a day they crossed the first river, the Seine and then the Marne. Fighting their way through Belgium in support of the 1st Infantry Division the next major task was to breach the Siegfried Line (a defensive line of bunkers, tunnels and tank traps) at Aachen, Germany. This was the first major city in Germany to come under attack from the Allies. Since Aachen was a very historically significant German city Hitler ordered it defended at all cost. After the German Garrison Commander refused to surrender an attack by air bombardment and fire from the M-10s and other artillery began on October 11 1944. “A” Company of the 634th supported the infantry when they entered the city the next day while “B” and “C” Companies along with infantry encircled the city and prevented several attempts by the enemy to re-supply and re-enforce the troops fighting within the city. October 21 1944 after devastating the city with their 3-inch guns the fighting ended with the surrender of the remaining German troops.

They continued pushing east and in early December the 634th along with the 1st Infantry Division were relieved and sent back to Belgium for a well- deserved rest. The rest didn’t last long because on December 16 1994 the Germans attacked in the Ardennes to begin the well-known Battle of the Bulge. The 634th and the 1st ID were rushed to defend the northern flank of the Bulge and were called upon several times to counter enemy attacks.

After the Ardennes the 634th and the 1st returned east to continue the war. On May 7, 1945 VE Day they found themselves halfway across Czechoslovakia. Three hundred and six days after landing in Normandy the 634th Tank Destroyer Battalion and the 1st Infantry Division had been in actual combat conditions except for 7 days. They managed 3 days of rest in August and another 4 days in December.

During the 299 days of combat, the Battalion destroyed 55 enemy tanks, 12 self-propelled guns, 18 armored cars, 76 general-purpose vehicles, and 25 anti-tank guns. Forty-nine pillboxes, 80 machine gun nests and 189 strong points were neutralized. Over 3,000 prisoners were taken and 45 enemy vehicles and 5 anti-aircraft guns were captured intact. The known enemy killed runs well over 6000. During combat the Battalion fired a staggering 17,855 rounds of three-inch ammunition.

Because of their actions the 634th TDB were awarded 55 Silver Stars 4 with clusters, 157 Bronze Stars 9 with clusters and 2 members received the Croix de Guerres. Seven enlisted men received battlefield appointments to second Lieutenant.

Specifications M10 Tank Destroyer Crew: 5 (commander, gunner, loader, driver, co-driver)

Weight Combat weight: 32.6 tons (29,574.22 kg) Power-to-weight ratio: 12.6 hpfT Dimensions Overall length: 22.3 ft. (6.83 m) Width: 10ft. (3.05 m) Height: 9.5 ft. (2.90 m) Ground clearance: 17 inches (43.18 cm)

Power Engine: Two General Motors 6046 12 cylinder, 2 cycle diesel with 850 cubic inch displacement; 410hp Transmission: Syncromesh transmission with 5 forward, one reverse gear Fuel capacity: 165 gallons (624.59 l)

Performance Max. speed (road): 30mph (48.2 km/h) Max. speed ‘(cross-country): 20mph (32.18 km/h) Max. range: 200 miles (322 km) Fuel consumption: 1.2 miles per gallon (0.5 km/l)

Armament 1 X 3-inch main gun M7 in Mount M5, 54 rounds 3-inch; M62 APC projectile: muzzle velocity 2,600 ft/sec - penetration of 93mm at 500 yards at 30 degrees M93 HVAP projectile: muzzle velocity 3,400 ft/sec - penetration of 93mm at 500 yards at 30 degrees Maximum effective range: 16,100 yards (14,721 m) Gun depression/elevation: -10 to +30 degrees 1 X .50 cal. M2 HB machine gun 1,000 rounds Armor 2.24 in (57mm) gun mantlet 0.98 in (25mm) turret sides 1.5 in (38mm) upper hull front 1.97 in (50mm) lower hull front 0.75 in (19mm) upper hull side 0.98 in (25mm) lower hull side

WW II Tank Destroyer Unit Motto: “SEEK, STRIKE, DESTROY”