Hobby Master 1:72 Ground Power Series HG3204
M26 Pershing Diecast Model
US Army 6th Tank Btn, Korea, Battle of Pusan Perimeter 1950, (M45) |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| M26 Pershing | | 4.75" | | 2" |
The M45 Pershing was based on the M26 hull and turret but with a short-barreled 105mm Howitzer replacing the long-barreled 90mm gun. This was the same gun used on the 105mm Howitzer Shermans. Capable of firing a variety of high explosive smoke and anti-tank rounds provisions were made to carry 74 rounds of the 105mm ammunition. It retained the co-axial and hull mounted .30 caliber machine guns as well as the turret roof mounted .50 caliber machine gun found on earlier models. Since the 105mm barrel was substantially shorter and lighter than the 90mm gun it meant thicker armor could be applied to the turret and mantlet.
The M45 was designed to provide a close-support function and when the Korean War broke out in the summer of 1950 the 6th Tank Battalion was deployed with their M45s. These vehicles saw limited action in Korea guarding the Pusan Perimeter and in the summer of 1950 providing support to the 1st Cavalry Division. Together these units were part of the breakout from the Pusan region in an effort to move north and join up with the UN forces that had landed at Inchon in mid-September. After this action very little is documented about the use of the M45 in Korea. It is believed that the 6th Tank Battalion was the only unit to use the M45 in Korea and once the situation had at the 38th parallel these tanks were deemed unnecessary and were withdrawn from the battlefield. Between 1949 and 1951 all but a few M45s were converted to M46 Pattons and the M45 was never exported to other countries. By July 1, 1954 there were no M45s left in the US Army inventory.
Originally designed as an upgrade to the medium tank M4 Sherman, the M26 Pershing first entered service in 1945. A series of prototypes led to the final design, but the overall development of the Pershing was hindered by Army Ground Forces opposition. The M26 was the US Army's first operational heavy tank, but it was unreliable and underpowered, so its service was limited (only 20 Pershings were deployed during WWII, and the model was withdrawn from Korea in favor of the more powerful M46). Though not in itself a success, the M26 gave rise to other more successful heavy tanks such as the M47, M48 and M60 Patton tanks. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale M26 Pershing is constructed with an intelligent mix of diecast metal and plastic, which allows for maximum detail. The cannon and the turret, which has applied casting effects, are each constructed from diecast metal. The spare track, .50 Cal. heavy machine gun with ammo can and separately applied commander and gunner's hatches are constructed in plastic for fine scale replication of rivets and hinges. The plastic hull has separately attached equipment storage boxes and delicate guards that shield the front headlights with hand-painted lenses. The lever arms of the torsion bar suspension on each road wheel are viewable on the model's underside.
© 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.
