Hobby Master 1:72 Ground Power Series HG3401
M10 Wolverine Diecast Model
US Army 703rd Tank Destroyer Btn |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| M10 Wolverine | | 3.75" | | 1.75" |
On December 16, 1941 the 634th Tank Destroyer Battalion was formed. On June 30 1944 the Battalion landed on Utah Beach with "A" and "B" Companies supporting the 1st Infantry Division (Big Red 1) and "C" Company supporting the 4th Infantry Division. The 634th played a major role in the Allied breakout at St. Lo to begin the drive eastward to the Siegfried Line and beyond. After many hard fought encounters with German forces the 634th took part in the capture of the high ground at Mortain resulting in the famous "Falaise Pocket". Moving east at 20 miles a day they crossed the first river, the Seine and then the Marne. Fighting their way through Belgium in support of the 1st Infantry Division the next major task was to breach the Siegfried Line (a defensive line of bunkers, tunnels and tank traps) at Aachen, Germany. This was the first major city in Germany to come under attack from the Allies. Since Aachen was a very historically significant German city Hitler ordered it defended at all cost. After the German Garrison Commander refused to surrender an attack by air bombardment and fire from the M-10s and other artillery began on October 11 1944. "A" Company of the 634th supported the infantry when they entered the city the next day while "B" and "C" Companies along with infantry encircled the city and prevented several attempts by the enemy to re-supply and re-enforce the troops fighting within the city. October 21 1944 after devastating the city with their 3-inch guns the fighting ended with the surrender of the remaining German troops. They continued pushing east and in early December the 634th along with the 1st Infantry Division were relieved and sent back to Belgium for a well- deserved rest. The rest didn't last long because on December 16 1994 the Germans attacked in the Ardennes to begin the well-known Battle of the Bulge. The 634th and the 1st ID were rushed to defend the northern flank of the Bulge and were called upon several times to counter enemy attacks. After the Ardennes the 634th and the 1st returned east to continue the war. On May 7, 1945 VE Day they found themselves halfway across Czechoslovakia. Three hundred and six days after landing in Normandy the 634th Tank Destroyer Battalion and the 1st Infantry Division had been in actual combat conditions except for 7 days. They managed 3 days of rest in August and another 4 days in December. During the 299 days of combat, the Battalion destroyed 55 enemy tanks, 12 self-propelled guns, 18 armored cars, 76 general-purpose vehicles, and 25 anti-tank guns. Forty-nine pillboxes, 80 machine gun nests and 189 strong points were neutralized. Over 3,000 prisoners were taken and 45 enemy vehicles and 5 anti-aircraft guns were captured intact. The known enemy killed runs well over 6000. During combat the Battalion fired a staggering 17,855 rounds of three-inch ammunition. Because of their actions the 634th TDB were awarded 55 Silver Stars 4 with clusters, 157 Bronze Stars 9 with clusters and 2 members received the Croix de Guerres. Seven enlisted men received battlefield appointments to second Lieutenant.
Designed to fulfill a new combined-arms doctrine that emphasized the need for infantry support and exploitation, the M10 tank destroyer first entered service in Tunisia in 1943. Called "Wolverine" by the British (a name that was never adopted by US soldiers), the M10 was lightly armored and therefore more maneuverable than a typical tank. Its powerful 3" M7 gun fired armor-piercing M79 shot, which made it an effective weapon against enemy tanks. Upon its debut it was capable of destroying most German tanks, but by 1944 the newer German Tiger and Panther proved too formidable for it, though it remained in service through the end of the war. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale M-10 Wolverine is constructed almost entirely from plastic, with the exception of the diecast metal bottom hull, which gives this model its characteristic weight. The opened top turret reveals a pivoting metal cannon and breech, six ammo rounds with bronze casings, three crew seats and a 50 cal machine gun with attached ammo can. When the turret is removed completely, additional details such as forward driver seats, additional ammo and diamond plated deck can be seen. The hull features shielded headlights and taillights, hand-painted battlefield equipment such as shovels, hatchets and hammers, and a beautifully recreated vertical volute spring suspension system.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Ground Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles.
Hobby Master "1:72 Ground Power Series" diecast vehicles feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
- Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks on detailed non-rotating wheels.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Clear acrylic display case to protect model.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
