Description

During the 1960s, the Israeli Ordnance Corps upgraded their M4A1 Sherman tanks by equipping them with the powerful French 105mm CN-105-F1 tank gun and they were redesignated as M51s. The larger gun meant a muzzle brake was installed to minimize the greater recoil effect and a counterweight was fitted to the rear of the turret. The 460hp diesel engine and the combination of the Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS) and wider T80 tracks gave the M51 improved mobility. During the Six-Day War in 1967, the M51s were used against newer T-54/55 tanks as well as JS-3 tanks from Egyptian, Iraqi, and Syrian armies. The M51s 105mm gun could take on these adversaries by using HEAT ammunition. After the war, these M51s continued to serve with distinction until they were finally retired in the early 1980s.

Product Specifications

• All New Tooling
• Length: 257mm, Width: 86mm
• Includes 105mm gun detail
• Turret and upper hull feature realistic cast metal surface texture
• The lower hull details and the HVSS suspension are precisely rendered
• Belt-type tracks realistically reproduce the T80 tracks
• Jerry can and tool accessories provided.
• 1 commander and 1 loader torso figures and 3 types of markings included.

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Recommended paints for this kit:

• X-10..- 10ml Gun Metal
• X-11..- 10ml Chrome Silver
• XF-1..- 10ml Flat Black
• XF-15..- 10ml Flat Flesh
• XF-20..- 10ml Medium Grey
• XF-56..- 10ml Metallic Grey
• XF-57..- 10ml Buff
• XF-60..- 10ml Dark Yellow
• XF-62..- 10ml Olive Drab
• XF-64..- 10ml Red Brown