1/35 Scale Academy M36/M36B2 US Army 'Battle of the Bulge' Tank Destroyer Model Kit
Build a legendary piece of World War II armor history with this highly detailed 1/35 scale model of the M36 Jackson tank destroyer from Academy Models. This kit represents the M36 as it appeared during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944-January 1945, when these powerful tank destroyers played a crucial role in stopping the German offensive in the Ardennes. This versatile kit can be built as either the M36 or M36B2 variant, featuring newly tooled parts and photo-etched details.
Kit Features
- Highly detailed 1/35 scale plastic model kit
- Can be built as M36 or M36B2 variant
- Newly tooled parts including upper hull and transmission cover
- Accurate 90mm M3 main gun with realistic barrel detail
- .50 caliber M2 Browning machine gun
- Photo-etched parts for enhanced detail and realism
- Detailed open-top turret with interior fighting compartment
- Accurately detailed suspension and running gear
- Individual track links for realistic appearance
- Detailed engine deck and rear hull
- Authentic Battle of the Bulge markings and decals
- Optional position hatches and gun travel lock
- Clear illustrated assembly instructions with painting guide
Historical Significance - Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge (December 16, 1944 - January 25, 1945) was Nazi Germany's last major offensive campaign on the Western Front during World War II. The M36 Jackson tank destroyer proved invaluable during this desperate winter battle, as its powerful 90mm gun was one of the few American weapons capable of reliably penetrating the armor of German Tiger and Panther tanks at combat ranges. Tank destroyer battalions equipped with M36s fought in brutal conditions through the snow-covered Ardennes forests, helping to blunt the German advance and ultimately turn the tide of the battle.
About the M36 Jackson Tank Destroyer
The M36 Jackson (officially Gun Motor Carriage M36) was the most powerful American tank destroyer of World War II. Introduced in 1944, it mounted the potent 90mm M3 gun in an open-top turret on a modified M10 hull. The 90mm gun could penetrate 133mm of armor at 1,000 yards, making it effective against all German armor including the feared Tiger and Panther tanks. The M36B2 variant used the hull of the M10A1, which was based on the M4A3 Sherman chassis with a diesel engine. Powered by either a Ford GAA gasoline engine (M36) or GM 6046 diesel (M36B2), the vehicle had a top speed of 26 mph and carried a crew of five. The open-top turret provided excellent visibility but left the crew vulnerable to artillery and small arms fire. Over 2,300 M36s were produced and the vehicle saw extensive service in Europe and the Pacific, continuing in service with various armies well into the 1950s and beyond.
Specifications
- Scale: 1/35
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Item Number: 13501
- Manufacturer: Academy Models
- Origin: South Korea
- Vehicle Type: Tank Destroyer
- Designation: M36/M36B2 Jackson
- Nation: United States Army
- Historical Period: World War II (1944-1945)
- Campaign: Battle of the Bulge
- Main Armament: 90mm M3 gun
What You'll Need
This unassembled plastic model kit requires plastic cement, paint, and modeling tools. We recommend using authentic US Army colors including Olive Drab, Dark Yellow for winter whitewash, and appropriate weathering for Battle of the Bulge winter conditions.
Complementary Products
Enhance your M36 Jackson build with these related items from our store:
- 1/35 Tamiya US Tank Destroyer M36
- 1/35 AFV U.S. M36 Tank Destroyer
- 1/35 Airfix M36B1 GMC Tank Destroyer
- 1/35 Academy Tanks Collection
About Academy Models
Academy Models is a renowned South Korean manufacturer of high-quality plastic model kits. Visit Academy's official website to learn more about their complete product line and company history.