The M4A3 was the main medium tank used by the US Army in Europe starting in the Fall of 1944 until the end of the war. The A3 version had the Ford 8-cyclinder GAA 500 horse powered engine. The (76)W stands for the 76mm gun version with the T23 turret and the “Wet” ammo storage bins built into the floor surrounded by a jacket filled with an anti-freeze solution. This kit represents a M4A3 that would have fought during the Battle of the Bulge in mid to late December 1944.

Germany’s Jagdtiger was the behemoth of the Second World War and was the largest AFV to ever reach series production. The production version of this tank destroyer sported the 12.8cm PaK 44 L/55. According to Dragon’s website and their description of this model, Krupp engineers proposed to make this tank destroyer more lethal by fitting an even longer 12.8cm PaK 80 L/66. This design was never fielded, however. In essence, this model is a “paper panzer” version of the formidable Jagdtiger…and with this monster of a gun, even more fictionally formidable.

Dragon’s Jagdtiger has, of course, been around for a number of years in several forms. This latest is the basic Henschel version with the upgraded, prototype L66 gun. In addition to the gun Dragon has included more photoetch goodies, clear periscope parts, metal tow cables, and Magic Track individual track links.

Osprey’s Duel series is a well-established line of books covering some of the more famous weapons that have faced each other in combat. The series started just over 9 years ago with the P-51 versus the FW-190, with this installment, Bazooka versus Panzer being one of their latest releases.

The books begins with a history of the U.S. Army’s development of the M1 Rocket Launcher, popularly called the “bazooka” by its developers and soldiers, due to its resemblance to 1930’s comedian Bob Burn’s musical instrument. The author explains how the weapon was rushed through development and testing, and sent them to the troops in North Africa without much explanation, or any training.

Background

The 155mm Gun Motor Carriage M40, to give it it’s proper name, mated the M1 155mm field gun with the proven chassis of the M4 Sherman with HVSS suspension, widening and lengthening the M4A3 Sherman chassis in the process. Built by the Pressed Steel Car Company, 311 vehicles were built to replace the M12 GMC in US service. One T83 (prototype of the M40) arrived in Europe in 1945 in time to see action in WW2. However, it was during the Korean War of 1950 – 53 that the M40 saw extensive combat operations. The only other user of the M40 was the British Army, which operated it under the name “M40 Cardinal”. The M40 fired a 95 pound shell to a range of 14 miles. It was operated by a crew of 8.

Aerobonus has provided a great figure accessory for the Airfix Bedford MWD, although I think it could be used with other 1/48 RAF vehicles.

The detail quality is extremely high; there was no flash or other imperfection. The parts once removed from the mold base are ready to assembly.

The Assembly is quick and easy. They will look great as an addition to the Airfix Bedford MWD.

Thanks go to Aires for providing this kit to review and IPMS USA for allowing me to review it for them