Airfix M36/M36B2 'Battle of the Bulge' Tank Destroyer (A1366) - 1:35 Airfix

[Julien]

M36/M36B2 'Battle of the Bulge' Tank Destroyer (A1366)

1:35 Airfix

 

 

The US Army had a requirement for a Tank Destroyer force after their entry to WWII in 1941. This was met originally by the M10 Tank Destroyer, however this only had a 76mm gun, the M36 Tank Destroyer was designed around the heavier 90mm gun to combat the heavier German tanks. The M36 kept the same lower hull and running gear of the M10 which was based on the M4 Sherman which was proven and reliable.  The M36 was used post war by a number of nations. The French used them at home and in Indochina, there is evidence of ex Yugoslavian vehicles still being used in that countries civil war, and there is evidence of ex French vehicles still being used in Taiwan as late as 2001

 

The Kit

This is one of Airfix's new range of 1:35 AFV models, which is a scale that they have not entered until now due to previous management apparently? the current management are much more switched-on to the hobby, so have reached an agreement to rebox some Academy AFV kits with the Airfix touch, and we will now see some new tools from them in due course.

 

 

Construction starts with the wheels. The drive sprockets and idler wheels are built up then 12 wheels are made which are for the pairs in Sherman type bogies. Both solid and spoked wheels are provided (Early & late type) for this with no guidance on which ones to use? The bogie units are then built up 3 for each side.  Again for these units two types of top for these are included in the kit, with again no indication of which needs to be used! Next up we move to the main hull. The mounting points for the front and rear axles are added to the lower hull. Next up all the wheels can be added in. 

 

 

Work can now be done on the nearly full interior (minus the engine compartment.  To the lower floor plate the front transmission housing is added along with the transmission tunnel. The font seats are added in along with the drivers controls. The floor can then be fitted into the hull and the hull front added. The rear raised floor for the turret compartment can then be fitted along with the rear bulkhead.  All of the internal ammunition stowage, and personal stowage can be added inside. At the rear the outer bulkhead can be added along with the exhaust.

 

 

 

Moving to the top hull The front armour plate is attached, with the hatches and engine deck. Outer stowage racks and lights are added on. The travelling mount for the gun is on the rear deck.  The two hulls can then be joined and the rubber tracks added. 

 

 

 

We then move to the turret. The gun breach is assembled and added in, as are the rear ready use ammo racks. There are two types of barrel provided but unfortunately no explanation of which to use so the modeller will need to check their references. The outer hand rails for the turret can then be added on. If needed a turret cover is provided, though it would be a shame to hide all that detail. To finish off there is a choice for a 50 Cal or 30 Cal pintle mounted machine gun for the rear of the turret, The turret is then added to the hull. 

 

 

 

 

Markings

There are two decal options in the box utilising the small decal sheet, and from the box you can build one of the following:

 

•  2nd Cavalry Regiment, US Third Army, Germany Winter/Spring 1945
•  Regiment Blinde de Fusillers-Orient - French Indochina July 1953

 

 

Conclusion

The M36 is a well known Tank Destroyer from WWII, and the Academy kit under Airfix's auspices is a good compromise between ease of construction and detail.  

 

Highly recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of