Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG4708 M7 Priest HMC Oran area, Algeria, 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 Main gun elevates Metal chassis, turret and main gun Realistic tracks Tracks replicate real track droop

The U.S. Army required a fully-tracked Howitzer Motor Carriage capable of keeping up with armored divisions. The lower chassis and suspension of the M3 Lee and later the M4 Sherman was selected to have a 105mm Howitzer placed on top with a crew area open to the elements. In 1942 the new SPG was delivered as the M7 HMC (Howitzer Motor Carriage). British forces referred to the M7 as the “Priest” because of the high rounded .50- caliber Machine Gun position resembled the pulpit of an Anglican priest.

The M7 105mm Motor Carriage or “Priest” as the British referred to it, entered service in November 1942 during “Operation Torch” in North Africa. One of the key ports for the Allies in North Africa was Oran Algeria which was captured on November 9, 1942. Oran had a key airfield and due to its closeness to Sicily would become a major staging area for the first 6 months of 1943. “Operation Husky” was launched on July 9-10, 1943 and lasted until August 17, 1943.

Specifications for the M7 HMC (Howitzer Motor Carriage)

Type - Armored Artillery Crew - 7 Performance Engine - Continental R975 C1, 9 cylinder., Gasoline 400 hp Maximum Speed - 39 km/h Power/weight - 17.3 hp/t Range - 190 km Dimensions Length - 6.02 m Width - 2.87 m Height - 2.95 m Weight - 23000 kg Armor Maximum - 108 mm Minimum: 13 mm Suspension: Vertical volute spring suspension (VVSS)

Armament Main - 1 x 105 mm Howitzer M2A1 Secondary - 1 x .50cal (12.7 mm) M2HB MG