Hobby Master Archive

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 Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG6006 M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer 805th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 5th Armoured Division, Italy 1944

The 76 mm M18 tank destroyer was produced by General Motors Buick Division who named the M18 the “Hellcat”. The M18 was the fastest tracked AFV of WWII reaching speeds up to 60 mph. The speed was possible because of the lack of heavy armor. The theory was speed would be the vehicles protection. Quite often German Panthers and Tigers would fall victim to the M18 because the German tanks turret couldn’t turn fast enough to return fire. The M18 was also present in the war in the Pacific.

On December 15, 1941 the 105th Antitank Battalion was re-designated the 805th Tank Destroyer Battalion. After a brief stay in England they landed at Algiers on January 17, 1943 and were equipped with the M3 GMC TDs. One of the battles they were involved in was the Kasserine Pass where they suffered heavy losses. Before shipping out to Italy the 805th re-equipped to be towed 3-inch gun battalion landing at Bagnoli, Italy on October 28, 1943. On March 12, 1944 the unit shipped out to Anzio and was used mostly as artillery even when they re-equipped to the M18 between June and August 1944. The TDs were part of the vanguard that captured Bologna and the Brenner Pass.

Specifications for the M18 “Hellcat” Tank Destroyer Classification - 76mm Gun Motor Carriage (T70)

Produced By - General Motors, Buick Division Production Period - July 1943 to October 1944 Number of Units Produced - 2,507 Crew - 5 Performance Engine - R975 Continental Radial, 973 cu. in. 9 Cylinder air-cooled, 400 HP @ 2,400 RPM Transmission - 4 speed Torqmatic Maximum Speed - 50 mph Ground clearance - 14 in. Maximum Fording Depth - 48 in. Maximum Grade - 60 degrees @ 3 mph Dimensions Length - 21 ft. 10 in. Width - 9 ft. 5 in. Height - 8 ft. 5 in.

Maximum Weight - 37,557 lbs.

Armament 1 x 76 mm M1A2 main gun, 76 rounds 1 x .50 cal M2HB Machine Gun, 800 rounds 5 x MI .30 cal carbines, 450 rounds 6 x WP M50 smoke grenades 6 x Mk.II fragmentation grenades 4 x smoke pots