Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG3423 M10 Tank Destroyer 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion Volturno River, 1943

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

In 1943 the US introduced the M10 as a SP anti-tank gun using the carriage of the M4 tank and a 3-inch M7 AA Gun. The British took their M10s and exchanged the 3-inch gun for the larger 17-pdr that had much better stopping power against the Panther and Tigers. They added some armor to the turret and named it Achilles. The first modified tanks went into service in 1944 and by the end of WWII 1,100 of the 1,650 M10s the British received under the Lend Lease Program became known as Achilles.

The 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion was formed in December 1941 and first deployed to Europe in 1942. In July 1943 the 601st TDB was re-equipped with the M10. After capturing Naples the 5th Army reached the Volturno River. This was a German defensive line meant to act as a delaying tactic to give German forces a chance to withdraw to their next defensive line. With the M10 dug in to protect the frontal armor they acted as artillery against the German forces across the river and helped drive the enemy back toward Rome.

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)