Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG5303 M41 Walker Bulldog South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) Bong Son 1972

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

As a replacement for the M24, production started in 1951 on the new M41 Walker Bulldog. By 1953 the M24’s had been completely replaced. The M41 saw limited action in Korea but was very much in demand in Vietnam. In 1961 150 M41’s were delivered to the Japan Ground Self- Defense Force. Through out 1965 214 M41A3’s replaced the M24’s used by 5 Army of the Republic of Vietnam squadrons and were very effective against the ARVN T-54’s. In 1969 the M41’s began to be replaced by the M551 Sheridan.

The first M41A3s arrived in South Vietnam in January 1965 and by years end there were enough to equip five ARVN squadrons. US tank crews found the interior of the M41 cramped but the South Vietnam tank crews were very happy with the Walker Bulldog. The stature of the ARVN crews was smaller and they found the interiors just the right size for them. From January 28 1966 until February 12 1966 the ARVN pursued the PAVN in what became known as the Battle of Bong Son.

Specifications for the M41 Walker Bulldog Manufacturer - Cadillac Motor Car Division of General Motors Corp.

Number Produced - 3,728 Crew - 4 x Commander in turret right rear, Gunner in turret right front, Loader in turret left rear, Driver in hull left front Combat Weight - 51,000 lb (23,500 kg) Length including main gun - 26.75 ft (8.15 m) Width - 10.48 ft (3.19 m) Height to top of AAMG - 9.9 ft (3.02 m)

Performance Engine - Continental AOS-895-3 6-cylinder, 4-cycle, opposed, supercharged gasoline Power. The fuel injected engines were designated AOS-895-5 Gross HP - 500@2,800 rpm Gross Torque - 960 ft-lbs@2,400 rpm Transmission - Allison CD-500-3, 2 gears forward, 1 reverse Fuel Capacity - 140 gallon (530 L)

Armament Main Gun - 76 mm M32 with 65 rounds of which 11 are ready In Turret - On flexible AA mount .50 cal M2HB MG 600 rounds Coaxial with 76mm - .50 cal M2E1HB MG 2,175 rounds Replaced later with a .30 cal M1919A4E1 MG 4,900 rounds

HOBBY MASTER COLLECTOR