M7 105mm SPG Priest 1:35 Academy 13210

Plastic military model kit: M7 105mm SPG Priest 1:35 Academy 13210

We present the M7 105mm SPG Priest model kit in 1:35 scale, produced by the renowned company Academy. This detailed model allows for the recreation of one of the most famous American artillery vehicles from World War II. The M7 Priest, also known as the 105 mm howitzer motor carriage, was a self-propelled artillery piece that played a key role on many war fronts.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:35
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Catalog number: 13210
• Material: Plastic

History and use of the M7 Priest:

The M7 Priest was designed in response to the needs of the American army, which was looking for a self-propelled artillery piece capable of supporting armored operations. Early experiences with half-track vehicles, such as the T19, showed that the new vehicle needed to be armored and fully tracked. The chassis of the M3 Lee tank was used, and later the M4 Sherman, allowing for the creation of a vehicle with high mobility and firepower.

Participation in military operations:

• North African Campaign: The M7 Priest debuted in the Battle of El Alamein, supporting the British Eighth Army. Despite logistical problems related to ammunition supply, this vehicle was extensively used by British and Commonwealth forces.

• Western Europe: During the Normandy invasion, the M7 Priest supported the artillery regiments of British and Canadian divisions. In the Battle of the Bulge, American armored divisions utilized the M7, providing them with exceptional artillery support.

• Pacific War: The M7 Priest was used by American and British forces in campaigns in the Pacific and Asia, including the Battle of Meiktila and during the offensive on Rangoon.

After World War II:

• Korean War: The M7 Priest continued to be used, and its flexibility compared to towed artillery units contributed to the decision to fully transition to self-propelled howitzers in the U.S. Army. The M7B2 version with a greater gun elevation angle was used in the difficult terrain of Korea.

• Israel: In the 1960s, Israel acquired the M7 Priest, which participated in the Six-Day War, the War of Attrition, and the Yom Kippur War, supporting operations on the Golan Heights.

• West Germany: The Bundeswehr received 127 M7 Priest units as its first self-propelled artillery pieces, which were used until the early 1960s.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. To assemble, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.