AFV Club 35058 – 1/35 M36 Jackson U.S. Army 90mm Tank Destroyer

The AFV Club 35058 1/35 M36 Jackson scale model kit that recreates the iconic American tank destroyer used during World War II. The M36 Jackson, armed with the powerful 90mm gun, was designed to counter heavily armored German tanks like the Panther and Tiger. This kit offers a high level of detail, making it an excellent choice for modelers who appreciate historical accuracy and realism in their builds.

Key Features:

• Scale: 1/35, ideal for detailed standalone displays or dioramas.
• Accurate Representation of the M36 Jackson:
• Captures the distinct open-topped turret design for better gun elevation and crew visibility.
• Features detailed surface textures, including weld lines, rivets, and casting details.
• Detailed 90mm M3 Gun:
• The kit includes a fully detailed 90mm gun with a movable elevation mechanism.
• Realistic gun breech details are provided.
• Interior Details:
• Includes partial interior detailing for the turret, such as gun controls, ammo racks, and crew seating.
• Workable Tracks and Suspension:
• Comes with individual track links for realistic articulation and sag.
• Fully articulated suspension system replicates the movement of the original vehicle.
• Photo-Etched (PE) Parts:
• Provides fine detailing such as engine grilles, tool brackets, and tie-downs for stowage.
• Optional Assembly Configurations:
• Open or closed turret hatches for display flexibility.
• Options to depict the vehicle with or without external stowage.
• External Accessories:
• Includes tools, tow cables, spare track links, and additional stowage items for a realistic combat appearance.
• Extra fuel cans and tarps add to the customization options.
• Marking and Decal Options:
• Includes decals for multiple historical marking options, representing vehicles from different Allied units.
• High-quality decals ensure accurate and clean markings.
• Instruction Manual:
• Clear and detailed assembly instructions with step-by-step diagrams.
• Includes painting and camouflage guides based on historical references.

Historical Significance:

The M36 Jackson, officially designated the 90mm Gun Motor Carriage M36, was developed to counter Germany’s heavily armored tanks during WWII. Based on the chassis of the M10 Wolverine, the M36 featured a more powerful 90mm gun, capable of penetrating the thick armor of vehicles like the Panther and Tiger. First deployed in late 1944, it proved highly effective in both the European and Pacific theaters.

Conclusion:

The AFV Club 35058 M36 Jackson kit is a superbly detailed model that captures the essence of this legendary tank destroyer. Its combination of interior and exterior details, flexible assembly options, and historical accuracy makes it a must-have for modelers interested in WWII armor. This kit is an excellent addition to any collection and a fitting tribute to one of the Allies’ most powerful tank destroyers.

M36 Jackson:

The M36 Jackson, officially designated the 90mm Gun Motor Carriage M36, was a highly effective American tank destroyer developed during World War II. Designed to counter heavily armored German tanks like the Panther and Tiger, the M36 Jackson combined a powerful gun with mobility and adaptability, making it a crucial asset in the final stages of the war.

Design and Features

The M36 was built on the chassis of the M4 Sherman tank, specifically the M10 tank destroyer variant, but featured a much more powerful main gun: the 90mm M3 cannon. This gun was capable of penetrating 200mm of armor at 1,000 meters, making it one of the most formidable Allied weapons for dealing with heavily armored German vehicles. The M36 carried 47 rounds for the main gun, which was complemented by a .50 caliber Browning M2 machine gun mounted on the open-top turret for anti-aircraft and anti-infantry roles.

The vehicle’s open-topped turret was a hallmark of American tank destroyer design, allowing for excellent visibility and faster target acquisition but leaving the crew vulnerable to shrapnel and small arms fire. The turret featured sloped frontal armor that was 75mm thick, while the hull’s armor was comparable to the Sherman, offering adequate but not exceptional protection.

The M36 was powered by a Ford GAA V8 gasoline engine, producing 450 horsepower, giving it a top speed of 42 km/h (26 mph). This speed, combined with its relatively light weight of 32 tons, provided good mobility, which was critical for the hit-and-run tactics tank destroyers were designed to employ.

Operational Use

The M36 Jackson entered service in 1944, just in time for the Allied advance through Western Europe. It proved highly effective during the Battle of the Bulge, where its 90mm gun was essential for countering German heavy tanks in defensive engagements. The M36 Jackson was also deployed in the Pacific Theater, where it excelled against Japanese fortifications and lighter tanks.

Despite its open-topped design, which left it vulnerable to artillery and air attacks, the M36’s firepower and mobility made it one of the most successful Allied tank destroyers. Its ability to destroy heavily armored German tanks at long range provided much-needed support to Allied armored units.

Legacy

After World War II, the M36 Jackson remained in service with the U.S. Army during the early stages of the Korean War, where it continued to prove effective. It was also supplied to several allied nations, some of which used it well into the Cold War. The M36 Jackson’s combination of firepower and adaptability cemented its place as one of the most important tank destroyers of the era.