1:72 M3 75mm Half Track

M3 half-track with a 75mm gun (1:72, Italeri)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the American M3 75mm Gun Motor Carriage (GMC) self-propelled gun in 1:72 scale from Italeri. The kit is laid out as a fast assembly build and the box holds the parts for two complete models, a decal sheet and an assembly instruction sheet. The low parts count will appeal to modelers who want to build the vehicles quickly, and to tabletop gamers.

The real subject

The M3 75mm GMC was created by mounting a gun of 75 mm caliber on the proven American M3 half-track carrier. It served as mobile fire support and as a tank destroyer that combined mobility with hitting power. It was committed in North Africa, in Sicily, in Italy and in the Pacific, and it was used by American as well as British units. The half-track chassis gave the vehicle good going across country while keeping it simple to operate.

Building and painting tips

Even on a quick build it pays to clean the parts up and sand the seams. Paint the running gear and the tracked section before you close up the hull. Finish the gun and the fighting compartment separately. Choose the base coat according to the service: US Olive Drab, or British khaki according to the scheme provided. A dark wash will deepen the details, drybrushing will pull out the edges and rivets, and dust and mud pigments on the running gear will complete the weathering. The two models in the box let you try different color options.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of Allied armor of the Second World War in 1:72 scale.
• For tabletop and wargaming players who will appreciate two models in the box.
• For modelers who want a quick and straightforward build.

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.