Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG4709 M7 Priest HMC Cannon Co. 34th Division, Rabat, Morocco 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.

On November 8, 1942 the 34th ID “Red Bull Division” landed at Algiers and captured the port and airfields. For the rest of 1942 the 34th fought numerous engagements in Tunisia as more Allied forces were continually arriving. In April 1943 they began an assault on Hill 609 and it wasn’t until May 1, 1943 before the objective was taken. On May 20, 1943 the 34th ID took part in a victory parade through Tunis before moving to Rabat, Algeria to take part in “Operation Husky”.

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