Hobby Master 1:72 Ground Power Series HG3802
M8 Greyhound Diecast Model
US Army 2nd Armored Div, 82nd Recon, France, August 1944, (M20 Utility Car) |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| M8 Greyhound | | 2.75" | | 1.25" |
The M20 was an Armored Utility Car that was also known as an M20 Scout Car. It was a converted M8 without the revolving turret so there would be room for passenger seats, radio equipment, a Commanders table and the ring mounting for a .50 caliber heavy machine gun. The crew was also provided a bazooka for defense to help compensate for the lack of heavy armor. This configuration meant there was an open top but it did provide a certain amount of protection for the crew from small arms fire or shrapnel. The M20 had a top speed of 90km/h and was quite agile which made it well suited for forward reconnaissance work. The vehicle was also used as an APC and cargo carrier. The M20 started life in 1943 as the M10 Armored Utility Car but was changed to M20 so it wouldn't be confused with the M10 TD. The M20 had a rather short production life from 1943 to 1944 but during this brief period Ford produced 3,680 units.
Initially established as the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion on July 15, 1940 at Fort Benning Georgia it wasn't until a re-organization on January 8 1942 that the 2nd became the 82nd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. The 82nd was referred to as the "eyes and ears" of the 2nd Armored Division that was known as "Hell On Wheels". By August 1944 the 82nd Armored Recon was no stranger to combat. In 1942 they were part of the force that landed in North Africa, they were at Gela and Palermo in Sicily. On June 9th 1944 they were part of the force that landed at Normandy and were at St. Lo in July and in August helped drive the German 10 SS Panzer Division from Domfront just south of St. Lo. They moved quickly across France and aided in the securing of crossings over the Seine River.
Designed to fill a need for a fast tank destroyer to replace the M6 37mm Gun Motor Carriage, the M8 Greyhound entered production in March 1943. Used by US and British troops, the M8 had a 37mm M6 gun and a Browning machine gun mounted in an open-topped turret. It was fast and reliable but had poor off-road performance, which meant it was severely limited in muddy and snowy conditions such as those in Northern Europe. When facing German armored vehicles the M8 was formidable but vulnerable-its guns could easily penetrate German armor, but its own thin armor wasn't enough to stop German 20mm autocannons. © Copyright 2003-2026 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 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
