Academy 1/35 US ARMY M10 GMC "Anniv.70 Normandy Invasion 1944"

Originally developed as part of a mobile tank destroyer force in 1941, the M10 was composite solution to a complex problem. The US Army used a modified M4 Sherman chassis to transport a 76mm (3 inch) anti-aircraft gun in an open-top turret. The US was not the only ones to adapt an AA gun for anti-tank duties, the Germans used the 88mm AA gun against British and US armor in North Africa with devastating results.

The M10 features a very detailed driver's and radioman's compartment, inner hull stowage, and ammunition racks. The turret is also beautifully detailed with the 76mm main gun, secondary armament, and turret stowage. The suspension and road wheels are very nicely executed.

Among the features and options:

• Detailed road wheels and suspension system
• Detailed transmission
• Detailed driver's station
• Detailed radio operator's station w/radio set
• Positionable crew hatches
• Ammunition racks with ammo tubes
• Grouser racks on the rear hull sides
• Choice of photo-etch or styrene light guards
• Nicely detailed M7 76.2mm main gun in open-top turret
• .30 caliber and .50 caliber machine guns on turret-top pintles
• Nice selection of external stowage gear and pioneering tools

Numerous other details are also provided including canteens, lanterns, and even a Thomson submachine gun. A complete set of pioneering tools are also provided. The only minor drawback that I can find in this kit involves the pioneering tools, actually where they mount. The rear of the hull has silhouettes molded to show where to place the tools, and while this might be helpful for some, it will need to be removed with a little light sanding.

Markings are provided for eight examples:

• M10, A21, 702 TD, US, Normandy, July 1944
• M10, -, 601 TD, US, Anzio, May 1944
• M10, C32, 703 TD, US, Paris, August 1944
• M10, C33, 703 TD, US, Aachen, October 1944
• M10, D1, 72 AT Regt, RA Italy, August 1944
• M10, Demon, 5th AD, France, Bas-Rhin, January 1945
• M10, Epervier, 2nd AD, France, Paris, July 1944
• M10, Strassbourg, 5th AD, France, Aachen, April 1945