M36 GMC 90mm Tank Destroyer

M36 Jackson

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Tank vs Tank Destroyer was a concept developed to stop Blitzkreig style tank attacks seen early in the war. US Army planners saw the tank as an infantry support vehicle with machine guns and dual purpose artillery style cannon.  When armor protection steadily inproved the need for a tank killing capability arose and the planners figured a light weight vehicle with a higher velocity gun could be moved quickly in place to stop an armored penetration.  The M10, M18, and M36 were developed as the face of that plan and the debate over their effectiveness and utility has raged ever since.

This project has actually evolved from 2 earlier projects. To get things started, I found some cheap Heng Long Shermans.
This project has actually evolved from 2 earlier projects. To get things started, I found some cheap Heng Long Shermans.
For a vehicle with VVSS and the GAA engine set up, it is an easier starting point than my previous scratch conversions.
For a vehicle with VVSS and the GAA engine set up, it is an easier starting point than my previous scratch conversions.
The model out of the box is a fair representation of a Howitzer equipped M4A3. Some crude details need handling but it isn't as bad as their M41A3
The model out of the box is a fair representation of a Howitzer equipped M4A3. Some crude details need handling but it isn't as bad as their M41A3
This kit even comes with overseas plugs.
This kit even comes with overseas plugs.
To those of us who don't even pretend to run stock Heng Longs it only takes 4 screws to get inside.
To those of us who don't even pretend to run stock Heng Longs it only takes 4 screws to get inside.
The stock electronics come out easily enough.
The stock electronics come out easily enough.
The great battery box debate, my choice is to eliminate them.
The great battery box debate, my choice is to eliminate them.
Rotor tool to the rescue.
Rotor tool to the rescue.
Plate the bottom with styrene and beef it up.
Plate the bottom with styrene and beef it up.
My upper hull comes from a laser cut project from our member Mitch. I gave him paper drawings from and old Cookie Sewell 1/35 offering.
My upper hull comes from a laser cut project from our member Mitch. I gave him paper drawings from and old Cookie Sewell 1/35 offering.
Nick Aquilar resin turret added.
Nick Aquilar resin turret added.
As the upper began a long time before the lower, I made some adjustments for the HL hull and it actually went together really well!
As the upper began a long time before the lower, I made some adjustments for the HL hull and it actually went together really well!
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IMG_2834
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IMG_2826
More experimentation, 3d Printed stamped wheels to make a slightly different version.
More experimentation, 3d Printed stamped wheels to make a slightly different version.
The plastic is a bit brittle and a bit rough but I'm adventurous.
The plastic is a bit brittle and a bit rough but I'm adventurous.
Added a bushing.
Added a bushing.
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Slight variation changes the look of a collection.
Slight variation changes the look of a collection.
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IMG_2841
3D printed Grouser blocks and storage.
3D printed Grouser blocks and storage.
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IMG_2898
Combination of models and rc tank stowage.
Combination of models and rc tank stowage.
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IMG_2842
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IMG_2832
Began wiring with Tamiya Pershing Guts.
Began wiring with Tamiya Pershing Guts.
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IMG_2896
The kit is intended for original Sherman electronics, no recoil.
The kit is intended for original Sherman electronics, no recoil.
Fitting upper hull and transmission cover.
Fitting upper hull and transmission cover.
Added Nick Aquilar turret for M36
Added Nick Aquilar turret for M36
Schumo brush guards.
Schumo brush guards.
Adding the standoffs for the armor
Adding the standoffs for the armor
Making all the parts fit, added Tamiya brush guards etc
Making all the parts fit, added Tamiya brush guards etc
3D printed fuel caps and Mato engine deck.
3D printed fuel caps and Mato engine deck.
Added bolts for engine deck.
Added bolts for engine deck.
Went for later style travel lock...
Went for later style travel lock...
Started to add the tie downs.... Of course they begin to fall off immediately...
Started to add the tie downs.... Of course they begin to fall off immediately...
To get this vehicle on the field I rattle can Testors Oded the base coat.
To get this vehicle on the field I rattle can Testors Oded the base coat.
Field Debut
Field Debut
Great runner and after a few teething runs it has matched its TD reputation.
Great runner and after a few teething runs it has matched its TD reputation.
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Just added metal HL track and it runs great now.
Just added metal HL track and it runs great now.
SoCal visit
SoCal visit
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PJq459UZQ8ahie%GcqPMlQ.jpg