Hobby Master Archive

The U.S. military had requested a light close-support vehicle so a standard M5 with the turret removed was tested. A new open-top turret was installed, the Driver and Co-driver were moved forward to accommodate a larger turret and with limited space in the vehicle the chassis was modified to tow an armored ammunition trailer. The M8 was the first American fully tracked Self Propelled Howitzer with 1,778 vehicles being produced between September 1942 and January 1944. The M8 was gradually replaced by the M4 Sherman with 105mm Howitzers.

M8 “USA 4051863-S” belonged to HQ, 67th Tank Battalion, 2nd Armored Division. The 2nd AD, known as “Hell On Wheels” typically used the M8 to support reconnaissance units, assault troops as well as combat teams. In Europe the 2nd AD fought in France, Belgium and Holland. They took part in the Battle of the Bulge, defeated the spearheads of the German 2nd and 9th Panzer Division and helped capture 300,000 prisons in the Ruhr pocket. In July 1945 the 2nd AD was the first U.S. division to enter Berlin.

Specifications for the M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage Manufacturer - General Motors, Cadillac Motor Car Division Length of Production - September 1942 - January 1944 Number produced - 1,778 Crew - 4 x Commander, Gunner, Driver, Co-driver Performance Powerplant - 2 x Cadillac 5,670 cc V-8 gasoline engines each producing 110 bhp@4,000 rpm Maximum Speed Cross Country - 24 mph On Road - 36 mph Distance Without Refueling - 100 miles Weight - 36,000 lbs Suspension - Vertical Volute Dimensions Length - 14 ft 2.75 ins Width - 7 ft 4.25 ins Height - 7 ft 6.5 ins

Armament Main Gun - 1 x 75 mm M2 Howitzer with 46 rounds on board and 93 in towed armored ammunition trailer Secondary - 1 x Browning M2HB .50 caliber MG with 400 rounds Armor Thickness Maximum - 67 mm Minimum - 12 mm Authentic Detailing Pre-Painted by professionals Accurate paint colors Markings Tampo (pad) applied Fully Assembled Die-Cast Model True to Scale (1:72) Metal turret and main gun Realistic tracks Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG4910 M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage “USA 4051863-S” European Front, WWII