Similar in design to the German Pak35/36 it was standardised in 1937 and issued in large numbers. Although inneffective against German armour, it still saw service in N.Africa, Europe and in the Pacific Campaign where at least it was effective against most Japanese Armour. A total of 18702 were produced. Our model reproduces this liitle gun and comes with the optional gunshield sometimes used in the Pacific campaign.
The Americans soon realized the need to replace the M4A1 37mm Anti-Tank Gun and turned to the British to build their own version of the 6pdr. anti-tank gun under licence. They made a number of modifications including larger Wheels, Gun Sight and "Dolly Wheel". There was no muzzle brake as per later British types. Usually towed by the Dodge WC62 six wheeled truck, they were also towed behind M2 and M3 Halftracks. Used in large numbers were used from 1941 onwards and saw service on all fronts.
In 1942 the US decided to produce an indigenous Anti-tank gun to replace the 57mm M1 and resulted in this cumbersome but effective 7.62mm gun. Using the gun tube from their 3" anti-aircraft gun and the breech, carriage and shield from the 105mm M1 it was designated as the M5, but after the introduction of the new unique gun shield, it was redesignated as the M6. A total of over 2500 were built and used on all fronts.
This was the backbone of American field artillery with a total of 8536 being produced from 1941 onwards and saw service with the US forces on every front in WWII and susequently in Korea and Vietnam...
The 75 mm pack howitzer was designed in the United States in 1920s to meet a need for an artillery piece that could be moved across difficult terrain. In August 1927, the weapon was standardized as Howitzer, Pack, 75mm M1 on Carriage M1 but by 1940 only 91 pieces were made. In September 1940 however, a year into World War II, the howitzer was put into mass production and the earlier M1 was succeeded by the slightly modified M1A1 with pneumatic steel rimmed wheels. Production continued until December 1944. Our model has optional pneumatic and steel rimmed wheels where the latter were retained for use in jungles of the Far East. The only significant changes during the mass production period were carriage improvements. The original carriage M1 was of box trail type, with wooden wheels. Requirement for a lightweight howitzer for airborne troops led to introduction of the M8 carriage, similar except new wheels with pneumatic tires.
This unusual model represents the M18 trailer (US65) with the addition of Smoke Generator equipment used extensively in Italy and NW Europe to produce smoke in order to cover troop movements for river crossings, etc.,
This trailer combined the M18 GS Trailer (US65) with the M45 Multiple Machine Gun Mount. These .50cal M.G. Quad's were very effective and were towed by trucks.
The US Army had 171 of these guns in service December 1941 and they continued in service until wars end, seeing action on all fronts but particularly in the Pacific. It was usually towed by the M4 High Speed Tractor (US55) and could also be used in the Anti-Tank role although its performance was not as good as the equivalent German 88mm Flak36 or the British 3.7" Guns.
Used on all fronts by the US Army in WW II from 1942 onwards, they also saw action in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and indeed are still in service with some armies today.
In NW Europe the Americans used the M20 Diamond T80/981 and M9 Trailer combination as the M19 Tank Transporter but it was in North Africa with the British that this combination was best known. Note that they were also supplied, along with the Diamond T980/981 Tractors, via Persia to the USSR.
The Long Tom entered service in December 1942 and saw service on all fronts. At least 100 supplied to British and over 20 to Free French. Originally towed by Mack NO (US131) but later by M4 High Speed Tractor (US055). Also used in Korea.
The 8" M1 (203mm) Heavy Howitzer used by the US and British Army during World War II and the Korean War. It was developed from the British 8" Mk VII howitzer.
