1:72 M7 Priest / Kangaroo

Italeri 1:72 M7 Priest / Kangaroo — 2 models (Fast Assembly, 2 in 1)

A plastic kit in 1:72 scale from Italeri that offers two models in the box and a choice of two forms: the American M7 Priest self-propelled howitzer, or the Kangaroo armored personnel carrier. The set is laid out as Fast Assembly, a quick build with fewer parts that suits beginners and tabletop gamers as well. The decals cover British, French and American markings.

The real subject

The M7 Priest was an American self-propelled howitzer of the Second World War: on a chassis derived from the Sherman tank it carried a howitzer of 105 mm caliber in an open superstructure. It got the nickname Priest from the circular machine gun position that resembled a pulpit. The Kangaroo was created by conversion: the howitzer was removed from the vehicle and the space that freed up was used to carry infantry under the protection of armor. The Kangaroo was thus one of the first heavily armored personnel carriers that protected infantry as it advanced behind the tanks.

Building and painting tips

Paint the running gear and the rollers before you cover them with the fenders. The open superstructure of the Priest and the Kangaroo alike is on show: work the interior up and paint it before you close the hull. Allied vehicles suit a basic olive coat sprayed with an airbrush, washes into the recesses, edge highlighting and pigments for dust and mud on the running gear. The two models can each be finished differently.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of Allied vehicles of the Second World War in 1:72 scale.
• For tabletop gamers (two vehicles in one box).
• For beginners, thanks to the quick Fast Assembly design.
• For builders who want a howitzer and an armored personnel carrier from one set.

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