Tamiya Model Magazine – September 2019

TMMI 287 September 2019 21

F. A front three-quarters view of the M10 Achilles

IIC, complete with its foul weather tent set up

above the open turret. Certainly later on in North

West European campaign, this must have been

fairly miserable for the crews. Of note is the

length of the 17-pounder barrel with its distinctive

counterweight and muzzle-brake, ensuring

immediate attention from the enemy

G. A detail shot of the righthand side rear hull

with track grousers for driving on ice and snow.

The road wheels are the solid, pressed-steel

variants more associated with the M36 Jackson

than with the Achilles, which tended to use solid

rib type.

H. Close-up shot of the Sherman-type VVSS

suspension system with later type wheels, already

mentioned and typical Sherman style tracks

I. Detail shot of the solid-style drive sprocket

complete with tightening spanner. The lower side

armour sections were very light and only capable

of stopping light ammunition rounds

J. Detail shot of the Achilles turret with rain cover

'wigwam' and gun mantlet cover, almost beginning

to take on the look of one French installation artist

'Christo's' smaller wrappings. Again, everything

bar the kitchen sink mounted here

K. Detail shot of the lefthand side of the turret

rear showing ammunition to good effect, but also

one half of the rear turret counterweight, which

helped to balance the huge 17-pounder gun barrel

L. Evocative shot of a worn-out but gallant gun

crew. These authentically-attired troopers have

been in the line too long and have seen off the

likes of the Panzer-Lehr and 12th SS Hitler Youth

Divisions. Little do they release how long they

have to keep fighting before their foe will finally

throw in the towel

M. A rear three-quarters view of the Mk.II Achilles.

The first thing to note is the pressed-steel exhaust

shroud that is found on the Ford petrol-engined

variant. The '77' on the red and blue back ground

indicates an anti-tank regiment of the Royal

Artillery

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