HBB82426 1/35 T26E4 Super Pershing, Pilot #1

The M26 Pershing is a heavy tank/medium tank formerly used by the United States Army. It was used in the last months of World War II during the Invasion of Germany and extensively during the Korean War. The tank was named after General of the Armies John J. Pershing, who led the American Expeditionary Force in Europe in World War I.

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. It was withdrawn in 1951 in favour of its improved derivative, the M46 Patton, which had a more powerful and reliable engine and advanced suspension. The lineage of the M26 continued with the M47 Patton, and was reflected in the new designs of the later M48 Patton and M60 Patton.

The Super Pershing was an experimental variant of the Pershing, fitted with a longer, high velocity 90mm gun, to match the 88mm gun on the King Tiger. After arriving in Europe, one was fitted with extra armour, which was removed from a knocked out Panther tank.

This is a highly detailed plastic kit with photo etch metal parts and optional individual track links with decals for 1 tank. This kit is great value for money and should make a nice model.