1:72 M65 ATOMIC ANNIE Gun, Heavy, Motorized, 280mm Travelling Mode

M65 Atomic Annie in transport configuration, 1:72 scale

This is a finished collector's model of military hardware, not a kit. It captures the American M65 280 mm heavy gun in transport configuration, that is in the state in which the weapon was moved by road. The full official designation of the real subject reads Gun, Heavy, Motorized, 280mm; the word Motorized is part of the army name and says nothing about the model having a drive of its own.

The real subject

The M65 was an American 280 mm heavy gun introduced in the first half of the 1950s. The rig was moved by road slung between two tractors — one pulled at the front and the other steered the rear — so it could get through bends that a single-piece chassis would not have managed. In the firing position the carriage was lowered onto outriggers and the barrel was set in traverse and elevation. The nickname Atomic Annie comes from the press of the day. Because of its size and weight the system stayed in service only briefly and was replaced by lighter weapons.

Placement and care

In a display case the transport configuration is striking mainly for the length of the whole assembly, so allow for plenty of room. Pick the model up by the chassis, never by the barrel. Avoid direct sunlight, which takes the richness out of the colors, and brush the dust away with a soft brush. Whether the package also contains both tractors should be checked on the box.

Who the model is for

• collectors of artillery hardware who want a finished exhibit without building
• anyone interested in American equipment of the 1950s in 1:72 scale
• those who want the weapon in the transport rather than the firing state in a collection
• modelers looking for a reference to compare with their own build

This is a finished collector's model, not a kit. You need no paints, glue or tools for it.