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The US M10 was the most produced US tank destroyer of WWII. The British M10s were called Achilles IIC because of the modification of the main gun from a 3 inch gun to a quick-firing British 17 Pounder. The conversions took place at the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich. The Mk. IC had a diesel engine while the Mk. IIC had a gasoline engine. Even the gun of the Mk. IIC was having difficulty against the heavy armor of the German Panthers and Tigers. Gradually the M36 Jackson with its heavier armor began to take over from the M10 and Achilles.

In January 1942 the 104th Infantry Anti-Tank Battalion, 45th Infantry Division became the 804th Tank Destroyer Battalion. On February 13, 1943 the battalion arrived in Oran, Algeria and began training French troops how to use the M10. Just days short of one year in North Africa the 804th landed in Naples, Italy and fought at the Gustav Line. By June 4, 1944 the unit had entered Rome and on to Livorno by mid July. Then in September 1944 they crossed the Arno River to the Gothic Line. Many commanders used the M10 as fire bases because of their vulnerability to small arms fire and preferred to use regular tanks for street fights. They finally broke into the Po River Valley and crossed the river on April 27, 1945.

Specifications M10 Tank Destroyer Country of Origin: USA Entered Service in: 1942 Crew: 5 (Commander, 3x gun crew, driver).

Dimensions Height: 2.57 m (8.43 ft) Length: 6.83 m (22.41 ft) (w/ gun) - 5.97 m (19.6 ft) (w/o gun) Width: 3.05 m (10 ft) Weight: 29.6 tonnes Power/weight: 12.5 hp/tonne Armour Hull, up to 51 mm Turret, up to 57 mm Armament Main Armament: M7 3-inch “76.2 mm” Gun - 54 rounds Secondary Armament: .50 caliber M2 Machine Gun - 300 rounds Power plant General Motors Twin Diesel 6-71375 hp (276 kW)

Suspension: vertical volute spring Performance Road Speed: 51 km/h (32 mph) Range: 300 km (186 miles)

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG3418 M10 US Tank Destroyer 804th Tank Destroyer Battalion, Italy 1944

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