Tamiya 35390 1/35 U.S. Tank Destroyer M36

TAMIYA M36 Tank Destroyer US Army 1/35 Scale

When American forces faced increasingly well-armored German tanks, it became clear that the M10 with its 76.2 mm gun was no longer sufficient. The answer was the M36 – equipped with a more powerful 90 mm gun on the M10A1 chassis with an open-top turret, introduced in the summer of 1944. It first saw combat on the French-German border and fought its most intense battles during the Ardennes offensive in December 1944. By the end of the war, over a thousand units had been built. Afterward, many were supplied to allies such as France and even influenced the development of Japan’s first postwar tank, the Type 61.

About the Model:

• 1/35 scale plastic assembly kit (length: 216 mm, width: 88 mm).
• Based on extensive research of the actual M36.
• Highly detailed turret interior (90 mm gun breech, sights, shell racks, crew seating).
• Realistically recreated turret counterweight and detailed hull parts.
• Assembly tracks with straight one-piece sections.
• Includes a figure with a “grease gun,” painting guide, and two marking options.

History of the Original – M36 Tank Destroyer

The M36 Gun Motor Carriage (M36), also nicknamed the “Jackson” or “Slugger,” was the most heavily armed American tank destroyer of WWII. It combined the Sherman-based M10 hull with a powerful 90 mm M3 gun in an open-topped turret.

Designed in 1943, it entered combat in autumn 1944 and quickly replaced earlier models in Europe. Crews valued its ability to knock out Panthers and Tigers at long range – one recorded kill occurred from a distance of 4 km. Later improvements included a travel lock and muzzle brake, enhancing stability and firing safety.

Technical Specifications

• Crew: 5 (commander, gunner, loader, driver, assistant driver)
• Armor: 9.5–127 mm
• Engine: Ford GAA V8 (450 hp) in M36/M36B1; GM 6046 diesel (375 hp) in M36B2
• Top Speed: ~26 mph (42 km/h); range: ~150 mi (240 km)

Combat Service and Export

During WWII, more than 1,400 M36s were built, many converted from M10A1 and M4A3 hulls. By late 1944, seven tank destroyer battalions in Europe had switched to the M36.

In the Korean War, the M36 again proved its value against Soviet-built T-34s. The Republic of Korea received about 200 vehicles and organized them into armored companies supporting infantry units.

The M36 was also exported to France (Indochina), Pakistan (Indo-Pakistani War of 1965), Iran, and Yugoslavia. In Yugoslavia, modernized diesel-powered M36s served into the 1990s, with some even used as decoys during the Kosovo War.

Why Choose This Model?

• Historical accuracy – faithfully represents an iconic WWII vehicle
• Wide service history – used in many 20th-century conflicts worldwide
• Tamiya quality – precision and enjoyable building guaranteed

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