This is an assembly model of the U.S. Self-Propelled 155mm M40. It is a never before seen subject in the Tamiya line-up of 1/35 scale models. The kit uses all new tooling with the exception of the suspension parts as they are from the M4A3E8 Sherman "Easy Eight" model kit. The M40 was a significant step in U.S. Army artillery mechanization, pairing the M1 155mm gun with the proven M4 Sherman chassis. Armor was light given its intended use as a long range weapon (they were effective up to 23.5km) away from the front line, while the layout was changed from the M4 to allow a big fighting compartment at the rear to accommodate the big gun. It was fitted with smooth horizontal volute spring suspension (HVSS). Over 400 were produced before the end of WWII; although they never fought in the conflict, one example of their T83 prototype did. The M40 served in the Korean War, and was eventually replaced by the M53.
The firm Tamiya is specialized in high quality RC-vehicles (cars, trucks and buggies) and one of the leading manufacturer in this genre. This japanese company is based in Shizuoka and produces detailed reproductions of coveted vehicles since 1976. "Tamiya Fighter-Cup" is the name of the annual racing series.Since 1990 the final of Germany takes place in Sonneberg.
