Armoured Cars & Halftracks

Introduced in 1941 as a Prime Mover for the 105mm Howitzer (See Related products), their value was soon realised and 11,415 were built and used as MG squad vehicles in armoured recce units. First used in the Philippines, they also saw action in N. Africa, Sicily and Italy. This rugged SWB vehicle was also supplied to America's allies with Russia receiving 342, the Free French 176 and the BEF, that is the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, receiving 8 and used in the Italian campaign.

This variant differred from the earlier M2 by the addition of the M49 gun ring. From May 1943, over 5000 M2's were retrofitted with a further 1681 manufactured. Used in Sicily, Italy, NW Europe and in the Far East.

This was the first significant variant of the M3 series. Accepted into service in October 1941, this SPG consisted of the mounting of the M1897A5, a howitzer of WW1 vintage, on the M3. A total of around 1300 were built between early 1941 and April 1943 and first saw action in the Philippines (later used by the Japanese against the US in '44-'45) and later in Tunisia. The British received 175 and used them in Tunisia, Sicily, Italy and in the Normandy Campaign! The US Marines used them at Saipan, Peleliu and Okinawa.

Small numbers of the M13, a twin GMC Halftrack, served in Italy, but when the M45 quad mount became available, all 568 were retrofitted as M16s. Produced from May 1943, an astounding 2,877 were built with only a few being supplied to other Allies. Of these, 70 went to the British (with some transferred to the Free Poles), Free French, with some used later Indochina. They continued in use Post War and saw extensive action in Korea.

Built by Ford from March 1943, 11,000 of this very fast Armoured Car (Max.55mph) were built with some being supplied to the British who nicknamed it "Greyhound", not apparently for its speed, but for thin armour! First used in Italy they went on to see action from Normandy onwards many with the Free French. In the Pacific Campaign they were used in the Philippines and in Okinawa. Post war they saw action in Korea and in French Indochina Our model has a full interior and open drivers hatches.

This high-speed Utility Car was used in conjunction with the M8 Greyhound Armoured Car by recon units and HQ sections. Introduced in 1943, the M20 was a derivative of the M8 Greyhound series. The main difference between the two vehicles was the absence of a turret and the provision of additional seating and radios which allowed the M20 to be used as an artillery spotter, reconnaissance vehicle, or personnel carrier. Initially designated as the M10 Reconnaissance Car it was renamed M20 so as not to be mistaken for the M10 Tank Destroyer. The M20 was developed in response to the US Army's need for a mobile vehicle that could carry cargo, but also serve in an anti-aircraft role, if. In total around 3,680 M20s were built by the end of the war. Powered by the same Hercules JXD engine as the M8 Greyhound it had an impressive top speed of around 60mph. Armed with the .50cal MG, they usually carried additional infantry weapons such as the M1 Garand, M1 Bazooka, etc. The M20 was well liked by its crews and proved a reliable AFV.

Entering service in mid 1942, five hundred of these Howitzer Motor Carriages, armed with the 75mm Pack Howitzer, were built and saw extensive action in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Pacific campaigns.

The M3 was manufactured from 1941 with over 12,000 built. It differed from the M2(US29), being designed as a Personnel Carrier and having a longer body. It was also used as an armoured ambulance. First used in the Philippines, they also saw action in N. Africa, Sicily, Italy and NW Europe.

This kit contains optional parts to allow either the M3 or M3A1 variant to be built.