Details
1:35 Italian SP Gun Semovente M40
In 1940 a Colonel Berlese suggested the Italian Army build a vehicle similar to the German StuG III, which the Germans had successfully used in the French campaign. Ansaldo Industries proposed a model mounting the 75/18 (barrel of 75mm diameter and 18 times the 75mm in length) mountain howitzer on the M13/40 tank hull (M=medium, 13 tons introduced in 1940). In addition to the 75mm gun, an 8mm Breda Model 38 or a 6.5mm Breda Model 30 machine gun was also installed.
In early 1941 an order of 60 M40 self-propelled guns was placed. The design was simple, but the vehicle had good performances and made use of the existing production facilities. Trials proved successful and an additional 120 units were built mostly on the improved M41 frame. The riveted hull construction was similar to that of Italy's main tank the Carro Armato M13/40. It had 50mm thick frontal armor to protect its 3-man crew of driver, gunner, and tank commander. It was powered by a 125 horsepower diesel V-8 engine which propelled the 13-ton vehicle to a top speed of about 21 mph with a range of 90-95 miles.
The M40 self-propelled gun was deployed in North African in late 1941 and first saw action in early 1942. It was successful as an infantry support weapon and an anti-tank vehicle. The Semovente M40 was considered the best Italian armored vehicle in North Africa. The vehicle I chose to model was in the Ariete Armored Division, North Africa, 1942. Some experts report that this was probably the most notable of all Italian armored divisions.
Additional Information
| Article No | TAM35294 |
|---|---|
| Article No of Manufacturer | 35294 |
| Аvailability | Out of stock |
| Colour | For colouring |
| Scale | 1:35 |
| Manufacturer | TAMIYA |
| Brand | FIAT |
| Series | No |
| EAN | 4950344352944 |
| Material | Polystyrene (plastic). |
| Epoch | 1939-1945 World War II |
| Age recommendation | Not suitable for children under 14 years. |
