Academy M18 Hellcat Gun Motor Carriage

[stikpusher]

This is the Academy 1/35 kit that I finished many years back. The kit comes a very comprehensive interior for the turret, area below, and drivers area. It also comes with the option of single length vinyl tracks or link and length styrene tracks. It also has other optional parts for the mantlet with or without dust cover, barrels to fit each, and choice of muzzle brake or not. Most of the stowage came with the kit, plus a few items from my spares bin. Paint is Gunze OD, and decals are the kit markings.

[deafpanzer]

Nice! I always like stowage on those too!

[stikpusher]

Thanks Andy! The M18 is a comparatively small vehicle, so with a crew of five packed in there, external stowage is a must!

[406 Silverado]

There is indeed alot of details that can be seen readily in this build Carlos! Sounds like a LOT of options come in the box on this one. Very well detailed, painted and weathered buddy.

[keavdog]

Always liked the looks of the Hellcat - and it was very effective. Crew of 5!
"The M18 carried a five-man crew, consisting of a commander, gunner, loader, driver, and assistant driver. "
What did the assistant driver do?

[Medicman71]

Very nice!!

[stikpusher]

Joe, John, and Mike, thanks for looking in and commenting!

Joe, This little kit does have a lot packed inside.... and between the open top and open hatches option, a lot of the interior work can be seen, instead of hidden like on some of the other Academy 1/35 tank kits with interiors.

John, seeing how the Hellcat has no bow machine gun, my guess is that the a/driver would switch off as needed with the driver, and of course assist with all of the daily maintenance tasks in keeping the beast running and armed. AFVs do need lots of attention to keep in fighting shape.

[Joe Rix]

The M-18 is very cool and unique AFV. You have done it justice with your build. Really well done paint and weathering. Nice stowage enhancements. That is quite the comprehensive kit and you did well by it.

[stikpusher]

Thank you Joe. I did what I could and knew how to do at the time.

[moparmadness]

You really knocked it out of the park Carlos! Great attention to the stowage details. 🍻

[stikpusher]

Thanks Chad! I don’t know about knocking it out of the park here, but it’s at least a good infield double. 😉

[406 Silverado]

Jun 15, 2023 20:23:15 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Thanks Chad! I don’t know about knocking it out of the park here, but it’s at least a good infield double. 😉

Cut yourself at least a little slack Carlos. That did come out looking good buddy.

[chromdome35]

The Hellcat is my favorite US WW2 armored vehicle. The thing was a sports car in tank clothing.

I have this exact kit with a bunch of AM, its sitting in the stash calling to me.

Your build looks excellent and I hope mine looks half as good when I tackle it.

[stikpusher]

Thanks CD! Im sure that your's will turn out great when you build it. Im with you on liking the Hellcat. I like the angular lines on the M10 a bit better, but this thing was a real hot rod.