Tamiya 35254 - 1:35 M26 Pershing (T26E3)

Plastic model kit of the M26 Pershing (T26E3) tank in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35254 depicts the M26 Pershing – a U.S. tank armed with a powerful 90 mm gun, earlier designated the T26E3. It was the most heavily armed and best-armoured U.S. design to enter combat in the closing period of the Second World War, able to take on the heaviest enemy tanks. The model faithfully captures the vehicle's shape, modern for the period.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, turret and running-gear parts
• 90 mm gun
• Reproduced road wheels and tracks
• Decal sheet and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35254
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 247 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit. Because of the overlapping road wheels it is worth planning the painting sequence of the running gear. Emphasise the final result with a wash, dry-brushing and operational weathering.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail, plus dry-brushing
• Pigments and paints for weathering effects (mud, dust, rust)

About the vehicle – M26 Pershing:

The M26 Pershing was created in response to the need for a more heavily armed and better-armoured tank, able to take on the heaviest enemy designs. Armed with a 90 mm gun, it entered combat in the closing period of the Second World War and influenced the development of postwar U.S. tanks.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length (with gun): approx. 8.65 m
• Width: approx. 3.5 m
• Height: approx. 2.8 m
• Combat weight: approx. 42 t
• Powerplant: Ford GAF petrol engine (V8), approx. 500 hp
• Max speed: approx. 40 km/h
• Armament: 90 mm gun; two machine guns
• Crew: 5
• Feature: heavy armament and armour, early T26E3 designation

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. The 1:35 Military Miniature series is one of the most highly regarded military model lines in the world. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.