Tamiya 35228 WWII US M8 Greyhound Light Armored Car 1/35 Scale Plastic Model Kit

Description

Tamiya ventured into the modeling business in 1948, with a scale wooden ship model kit. Since then, Tamiya has been striving to offer merchandise that can truly be called ‘First in Quality Around the World.’ Now Tamiya is offering more than 300 different products, both in the fields of precision static models and high performance radio control vehicles. These products are not only sold in Japan but also exported in vast quantities to the United States, Europe, South East Asia, and to many other parts of the world. The standard of excellence achieved by Tamiya is regarded as among the very finest in the world of model hobbies. The M8 Greyhound was used during World War II primarily as an escort and reconnaissance vehicle. The 6 wheeled vehicles lightweight made it a maneuverable vehicle. Development of the M8 began in 1941, and it was originally planned for armor support, but was later shifted to reconnaissance. The Ford company developed a prototype in June, 1942. The Greyhound had a Hercules JXD rear mounted, water cooled engine, capable of generating 110 HP at 3000 r.p.m. The transmission had a 4 speed forward, 1 speed reverse gearbox. The six wheel configuration and engine made the Greyhound a stable vehicle with a maximum speed of 88. 5 km/h and range of 563 km. The steel plated armor on the body ranged from 19mm to 32mm thick, the open topped turret had 19mm thick armor. The 12. 7mm M2 machine gun was added to the cupola. The Greyhound was also equipped with an M70D gun sight/telescope. The interior could store up to 80 rounds for the M6, 400 rounds for the 12. 7mm machine gun and sometimes 1500 rounds for the 7. 62mm machine gun. From March, 1943 to April 1945, over 8523 M8s were produced. They were mainly used in Europe, but they also served in the Pacific. The M8 was supplied to the Allies, including Britain and France. It is the British who nicknamed the M8 ‘Greyhound’. Many countries would continue to use the M8 well after this conflict. This finely detailed plastic model kit requires assembly and painting.