Tamiya 35376 - M18 Hellcat 1/35 Tank Destroyer Model Kit for Modellers  [35376]

Why the M18 Hellcat mattered in WWII

The M18 Hellcat was developed as a swift tank destroyer to counter Axis armoured threats. It featured an open turret and a 76mm gun mounted on a compact chassis with torsion bar suspension, a notable step forward in US armoured design. Its radial 9-cylinder engine let it reach speeds up to 80km/h, making it outstandingly quick for tracked vehicles of the period.

Deployment and battlefield use

Built from July 1943, the Hellcat first deployed on the Italian Front in 1944. Its speed made it ideal for ambush and rapid withdrawal tactics, and it was used across different theatres including North-West Europe and in Pacific island operations.

Detailing captured in the scale kit

The Tamiya 1/35 rendition preserves the Hellcat's compact profile and fine detailing. Finished dimensions are 192mm in length and 80mm across the hull. The kit contains detailed elements such as the gun breech, shell rack, vehicle transceiver and turret gearing, plus clear parts for headlamp lenses and textured canvas on the gun shield.

Build considerations and display choices

The suspension is faithfully modelled with user-friendly components and the single-pin track sections come as straight one-piece lengths. A standing crew figure is supplied to add scale interest, and two marking sets allow representation of Italian Front vehicles.