TAMIYA (2522)

8.8cm of Destructive Power The self-propelled heavy anti-tank gun Nashorn packed a formidable punch courtesy of a mammoth 71-caliber 8.8cm Pak43/1 gun which was one of the largest on the battlefield in WWII. The vehicle was developed in all possible haste after the German Army had the unexpected surprise of meeting such overpowering opponents as the T34 and KV-1 upon its invasion of the Soviet Union. The recently-developed III/IV vehicle was used as a base for the Pak43/1 gun, which was capable of destroying enemy tanks from great distance. Top road speed was 42km/h thanks to its relatively light weight of 24 tons. While deployment started in July 1943 under the moniker of Hornisse, it was given the new Nashorn designation from January of the next year, reportedly at the command of Hitler. 439 units were produced up to March 1945, and they served on both the Eastern and Western Fronts, providing heavy firepower for German forces. This is a highly detailed model of the WWII German tank destroyer Nashorn. The full size vehicle featured an 8.8cm gun also known as a PAK 43 and it was fitted to the upper surface of a light turret less chassis. Even though the vehicle was lightly armored, the PAK43 weapon was capable of penetrating 190mm of armor at 1,000 meters. The Nashorn saw action with German heavy antitank battalions fighting Soviet and Allied forces during much of the conflict. Due to its relatively low cost and superior mobility compared to heavier tanks it remained in production until the end of WWII war. Features This is a 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit. Length: 241mm, Width: 84mm. Extensive research and study of actual vehicles led to this accurate recreation of the imposing form of the Nashorn with long 8.8cm main gun. Features of post-May 1943 vehicles such as late production gun travel lock, muffler-less exhaust pipes and more are faithfully depicted. Metal parts are used to allow realistic elevation and depression of the main gun. Belt-type tracks. 4 figures in winter uniform are included, and can be placed in the large fighting compartment to add a further air of authenticity to the model. Comes with 3 marking options, including Eastern Front vehicle markings.

Anyone Fancy a Swim? The Ford GPA is an amphibious 4-wheel drive vehicle which the US motor giant was commissioned to produce for the US military in April 1942. In addition to the tried and tested GPW engine, its brand new hull-design body was driven through the water by a rear propeller. It took part in a number of landing operations, including the November 1942 invasion of North Africa and the highly significant Normandy landings in June 1944. Production of the GPA had already ceased in June 1943, however, with some 12,800 units manufactured. Features This is a 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit of the Ford GPA. Length: 135mm, Width: 50mm. The hull-shaped form of the vehicle is accurately captured. The engine is faithfully depicted using multiple parts and can be viewed underneath the opening hood. A highly realistic accent is added with the inclusion of photo-etched parts to recreate the ventilator, hatch stays and more. 3 figures included are, one of which depicts a driver. Comes with 2 marking options, to recreate divisions which served in Tunisia and Normandy operations.

Providing Punch to the Last-Gasp German Effort Equipped with a long, powerful L/70 7.5cm anti-tank gun that could outrange opposing Allied tank weapons, the Jagdpanzer IV /70(V) Lang proved a formidable foe following its introduction late in WWII. The "Lang" (German for "long") in its name was added to distinguish it from its predecessor with a shorter L/48 7.5cm gun; the design featuring a wedge-shaped glacis plate and utilizing the Panzer IV chassis was largely shared by the L/48 and L/70 varieties. 930 Jadgpanzer IV /70(V) Langs were produced between August 1944 and March 1945, and fought bravely in last-gasp actions such as along the Ardennes front from December 1944, their exceptional range and power troubling Allied forces until the last. Features This is a 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit of the Jagdpanzer IV /70 (V) Lang. Length: 244mm, width: 91mm. The model captures the low, menacing silhouette with aplomb. 1-piece gun barrel section. Boasts realistic surface textures such as the cast-iron "Saukopf" mantlet, and hull weld lines. Two front steel-rimmed wheels on either side are accurately depicted. Model depicts lightweight final production tracks in belt form. Comes with commander and loader torso figures in realistic pose. 3 marking options include both Western and Eastern front units.

So, What's Our Next Move? The Type 98 uniform was introduced in 1938, and worn as standard officer dress from the Second Sino-Japanese War through the Pacific War. It featured a stand and fall collar. While enlisted troops and non-commissioned officers were issued with uniform, officers were expected to ready their own. Officers were also required to use their own sword, which led to a plethora of different lengths, shapes, tsuba hand guards and so on. Some blades were kept in leather scabbards, while others used bound cloth grips. Privately-owned pistols were often carried. This is a set of Japanese army officers and infantrymen. Parts are included to recreate soldier accessories and surrounding items for a highly realistic set that will add to any WWII Japanese diorama. Features This realistic set contains 4 figures depicting Japanese Army Officers in a strategy meeting in the field.  Two senior officers are seated and examining maps at a desk, with one tank and one infantry officer in standing pose.  A multitude of parts recreates officers' swords, map pouch, binocular case and more.  Features parts capturing desks and chairs, field telephones and case, telephone cable reel, radio and generator, plus infantry gun ammo cases.  Decals are included to allow depiction of insignia and printed box markings.  Instruction manual includes a scale cut-out map. Perfect for diorama use with such Japanese vehicle models as the Type 97 or Type 1.

Fighting With Valor  Developed from the mid-1930s as a cavalry tank, the SOMUA S35 used a number of cast metal parts to up production efficiency; the bolted cast hull design was ahead of its time. With a 47mm main gun and a 190hp V8 gasoline engine from which it could squeeze 40km/h, the SOMUA S35 was an effective package. The roughly 430 examples produced between 1936 and June 1940 proved a worthy adversary for German forces during fighting in Belgium and Northern France, their balanced performance leading many to acclaim the S35 as the best tank available to France at the commencement of WWII. Features This is a 1/35 scale plastic model kit of the SOMUA S35. Length:153mm, Width: 63mm. Extensive measurement of a real SOMUA S35 led to this highly accurate recreation of the rounded cast metal hull and turret. Features realistic depictions of cast metal surfaces. Intuitive parts layout efficiently captures the bogey suspension and side armor plates with aplomb. Link-type assembly tracks provide excellent realism. Comes with a commander figure to be positioned in the turret, plus 3 marking options and color camouflage pattern reference illustrations.

An Easy Ride The U.S. M4 Sherman tank was undoubtedly one of the symbols of WWII, deployed in great quantities and numerous variants to counter the potent threat of German armor. One such variant was the M4A3E8, which was one of the final Sherman types and thus had the benefit of design improvements developed from experience in battle. These included a hardy welded late production hull, plus the welcome addition of the 76mm main gun. It was also fitted with new Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS), and wider tracks, making for the significantly more comfortable ride that led to the M4A3E8's nickname of "Easy Eight." They were thrown into their maiden operation in the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 as part of the 4th Armored Division under General Patton's overall command, contributing to the relief of the besieged town of Bastogne and the eventual triumph of the Allies in the European Theater. This is an all-new kit designed by Tamiya’s top designers which recreates the "Easy Eight" variant of the legendary Sherman medium tank. The M4A3E8 was known fondly as the “Easy Eight” by its crews, thanks to the relatively smooth drive afforded by its Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS). Another distinguishing feature was its 76mm gun. Some of the 2,500 examples produced were in time to appear in the Battle of the Bulge (Dec. 1944-Jan. 1945), and others even served in the Korean War years after the Allied WWII triumph. Movie buffs will no doubt also recall that the "Easy Eight" was the star of the 2014 hit film "Fury." The Tamiya-Designed M4A3E8 Key Features Slide molded turret and upper hull parts give an unbeatable combination of hassle-free assembly and highly realistic detail levels. Cast metal turret and welded hull surface textures are rendered accurately. The rear showcases sharp, detailed molding on engine grilles and exhausts, as well as the numerous accessories depicted by the kit. Clear parts are used to recreate light lens and cupola vision block parts, further upping the realism of this kit. The single-pin T66 tracks are recreated with minimum fuss and great accuracy, by the included belt-type tracks.  Drive sprockets feature fine holes. A commander figure in realistic pose is provided for the cupola. The periscope seen on the hatch underside is depicted using separate parts. Features This is a 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit. Length: 214mm, width: 86mm. Tamiya undertook exhaustive surveys of real M4A3E8s in order to depict its form with great accuracy, including the subtly curved turret surfaces, flat welded hull panels and the HVSS. Slide molded parts artfully capture surface textures of cast turret and welded upper hull panels. Wide, single-pin T66 tracks are realistically depicted using belt type parts. Drive sprockets feature precisely molded holes. Engine grille, rear-installed deflector, and tool parts showcase stunning realism. Clear parts recreate headlight lenses and cupola vision blocks. Features commander torso figure and decals to recreate tanks from 2 units in the European Theater at the end of WWII.

 In the Nick of Time The SU-76M filled an important and particularly pressing Soviet need for an effective self-propelled gun against invading German forces after the start of Operation Barbarossa in WWII. Based upon the T-70 light tank chassis, it was production-friendly and some 11,000 were manufactured between 1943 and 1945. Its 76.2mm ZiS-3 gun helped it to play a valuable part offering supporting fire and as an anti-tank weapon. Superior mobility was its calling card, and the SU-76M was also able to operate in close unison with infantry units. Features This is a 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit of the Russian self-propelled gun SU-76M. Length: 146mm, width: 78mm. Exhaustive surveys of a real SU-76M ensure the model accurately captures the open-top self-propelled gun form. 76.2mm gun parts breakdown and attachment was inspired by the real vehicle. Poly caps allow movement. Realistic assembly type tracks feature one-piece straight sections and jig for construction. Contains three figures in authentic pose, and comes with two marking options.

Take Aim! Manufactured toward the final stages of WWII, the M40 self-propelled gun design employed a combination of proven M4 Sherman chassis components and the powerful 155mm "Long Tom" gun. It was a boon for the 8-man U.S. crews that deployed it, not least because of the serious mobility upgrade it offered over its towed artillery piece predecessors, and an impressive range of 23.5 kilometers using explosive rounds; stability when firing was provided by a large rear spade. A 460hp air cooled engine enabled a top speed of 38km/h. Production began in February 1945, and while it was officially adopted in May 1945 none of the 418 manufactured by the end of WWII saw action. Instead, this powerful SPG was deployed in the Korean War, in which it provided long range bombardments of enemy positions. Features Length: 305mm, width: 91mm Highly accurate depiction of the M40 Equilibrators feature poly caps for elevation and traverse Movable rear spade, the rear gate can be assembled up or down Clear parts recreate light lenses and sights T80 tracks are rendered by belt-type parts Photo-etched engine grille parts Includes projectiles, rack and cases Includes 8 figures and 2 Korean War marking options

This is a German tank crew figure set. The last German figure set was designed way back in 1996. This comprehensive set features 8 figures in highly realistic pose, that are adaptable to use with a multitude of WWII German armor kits.

Meet the Leclerc! A number of cutting-edge features ensured that the Leclerc was among the leading armor designs of its era, including an advanced electronics system which controls its main functions and maintains a data link with surrounding assets and command HQ. The eye is drawn to the sleek lines of the turret and powerful 120mm smoothbore gun, which has an auto-loading device that permits a fire rate of 6 rounds in 35 seconds. Modular armor facilitates faster and more efficient repair work. 132 Series 1 tanks were produced for service, before in 1997 they were replaced on the production line by the Series 2, which has an air conditioner to cool the computer system among other improvements. 178 were manufactured between 1997 and 2003. Features Accurately reproduced modular armor on hull and turret. High precision molding faithfully captures intricate details like smoke dischargers and commander's cupola. Realistic depictions of side skirts. Molded plastic road wheel parts. With commander figure and 4 marking options included Commander's post features rotating sight, periscope with clear lenses, and 1 commander figure. Detailing includes recessed smoke dischargers, and air-conditioning unit unique to Series 2 tanks. Rear hull includes detailed engine grille and sections reproducing the non-slip finish of the actual tank. Intricate rear hull detailing includes external fuel tank, fuel tank pipe stay and fuel tank stays. Specifications Length: 306mm, Width: 104mm

Scouting About 1939 saw the debut of the M3A1 scout car, which was an important facet of mechanized U.S. forces. This 4WD vehicle could get 80km/h out of its 87hp 6-cylinder engine, and packed a punch with one 12.7mm and up to two 7.62mm rail-mounted machine guns. It could hold 8 personnel, and was equipped with a front roller to help overcome obstacles, plus armor radiator louvers and armor windshield and side covers. Around 21,000 were produced, and deployed by U.S. forces in the Philippines, Tunisia, Sicily and more. Over 3,000 were also supplied to the Red Army under the auspices of the "Lend-Lease" program; Soviet forces used it in Mechanized and Tank Divisions, fulfilling reconnaissance, command car and even towing roles. Features This is a 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit. Length: 161mm. A highly accurate rendering of the simple M3A1 form is based upon extensive research of the actual vehicle. Authentically captures the front roller and crew area interior. Detailed underside has depictions of leaf spring suspension and drive shafts. 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine guns are reproduced with excellent detail. Includes 5 Red Army figures pictured in Winter uniform, and in realistic action pose. 3 marking options included one U.S. and two Red Army schemes.

Called to Normandy The Marder III M was the last of three German tank destroyer variants based upon the captured Czechoslovak 38(t) tank, and sported a powerful 7.5cm gun in an open-top fighting compartment. As the Allies pushed on from their Normandy landings in June 1944, Marder III Ms were on the scene in a largely defensive struggle against enemy armor. About the Model This is a 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit. Length: 149.5mm, width: 61mm.  The distinctive, compact form of the AFV is captured with aplomb.  Detailed interior really catches the eye.  Assembly type tracks feature single piece straight sections.  12 depictions of shells are included, and can be stowed in the rack.  Features a photo-etched part to capture the muffler cover.  Includes four full body figures and one torso, plus two marking options.