Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG3424 M10 Tank Destroyer 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion, Italy

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.

On July 9, 1943; now equipped with the M10 Tank Destroyer the 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion was part of the assault on Sicily that lasted until August 17, 1943. From September 9, 1943 until January 1944 Naples was the primary target for the Allies because of its port for re-supply and nearby Foggio had an important airfield. On June 4, 1944 Rome was finally liberated and the 601st TDB would transfer to Southern France in August 1944. The M10 proved to be lacking because of its poor speed, poor frontal armor and high profile.

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)