T17E1 Staghound A/C Mk. And late 1:35 Bronco CB35011

Plastic military model kit: T17E1 Staghound A/C Mk. I Late 1:35 Bronco CB35011

We present the plastic model kit T17E1 Staghound A/C Mk. I Late in 1:35 scale, produced by Bronco. This detailed model allows you to recreate one of the most recognizable armored vehicles from World War II, which, although it was never used on the front by American forces, played a significant role in the military operations of British forces and other Commonwealth nations.

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Manufacturer: Bronco
• Catalog number: CB35011

History and use of the T17E1 Staghound:

The T17E1 Staghound is an American armored car designed during World War II. Although it never entered service with the U.S. Army, it was widely used by British forces and other Commonwealth countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. After the war, this vehicle was adopted by many smaller NATO countries and Middle Eastern states.

The T17E1 project was initiated in response to specifications issued by the U.S. Ordnance Corps in July 1941, which concerned a medium armored car. The T17E1 prototype was developed by Chevrolet and featured four-wheel drive (4x4). The British Purchasing Commission, seeking armored vehicles for operations in North Africa, placed an order for the production of 300 vehicles, which was later increased to 1500.

Production of the T17E1 began in October 1942. This vehicle stood out with its innovative design, which included two six-cylinder engines with automatic transmissions, allowing for the selection of two or four-wheel drive. Additionally, the vehicle was equipped with a power steering pump that could be turned on or off depending on driving conditions.

Operational service:

The Staghound entered service too late to participate in the North African campaign, where its range, armament, and armor could have been a significant asset in reconnaissance roles. Instead, it was first used operationally in Italy, where its large size proved somewhat problematic on the narrow roads and streets of Europe. Nevertheless, this vehicle found use at the command levels of squadrons and regiments. Conditions for the Staghound improved as the Italian campaign became more mobile in mid-1944, and this vehicle was also used in the campaign in Northwestern Europe.

After the war, Staghounds were transferred to smaller NATO countries in Europe and the Middle East. Mk I and Mk III variants were used during the Lebanese Civil War by various militias. The last new variant of the Staghound offered for export was the Swiss model, upgraded with modern weapon packages, including 30 mm and 47 mm anti-tank guns.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, 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.