The M26 Pershing was a heavy tank / medium tank of the United States Army. The tank was named after General John J Pershing, who led the American Expeditionary Force in Europe in World War I. It was used in the last months of World War II during the Invasion of Germany and extensively during the Korean War.
The M26 was intended as a replacement of the M4 Sherman, but a prolonged development period meant that only a small number saw combat in Europe. Based on the criteria of firepower, mobility, and protection, US historian R P Hunnicutt ranked the Pershing behind the German Tiger II heavy tank, but ahead of the Tiger I heavy and Panther medium tanks.
The first combat experience showed that the M26 still fell short on firepower and protection when facing the formidable German Tiger II. Because of this, experiments were carried out with the longer and more powerful 90mm T15 gun. The first vehicle, based on the first T26E1-1 vehicle, was shipped to Europe, where it was up-armoured and saw limited combat, being now commonly known as the “Super Pershing”. Another T26E4 prototype and 25 “serial” vehicles followed, with slight differences.
This box contains:
- 1 Pershing - choice to build as an M26, M26A1, or T26E4 with 90mm gun (also can be built as an M45 105mm howitzer medium tank)
- choice of either T81 or T80E1 track links
- gun mantlet with or without canvas cover
- all hatches can be open or closed
- tank commander included
