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 HG6010 M18 Tank Destroyer 805th Tank Battalion, 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.

The 805th TDB was formed in December 1941. In August 1942 the 805th sailed to the UK and in January 1943 they deployed to North Africa and equipped with M3 GMC (Gun Motor Carriage) tank destroyers. In February of that year the unit took part in the Battle of the Kasserine Pass and suffered heavy losses. On March 23, 1943 the 805th received the M10 and in October shipped to Italy. During the summer of 1944 the 805th was
re-equipped with the M18 Hellcat that was mainly used for indirect-fire missions.

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