Tamiya 35319 - 1:35 U.S.Tank T26E4 Super Pershing

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the U.S. T26E4 Super Pershing tank with 5 figures

Tamiya 35319 reproduces the T26E4 Super Pershing – an up-gunned version of the U.S. M26 Pershing tank. The Pershing's standard 90 mm gun, though effective, was inferior to the guns of German heavy tanks such as the King Tiger. A longer 90 mm T15E1 gun with higher muzzle velocity was therefore developed and fitted to a modified Pershing chassis, creating the Super Pershing.

The model is made from new tooling, capturing the vehicle's imposing silhouette with its long-barrelled gun and the characteristic counterweight at the rear of the turret. The hull and turret have a realistic cast texture, and the additional frontal armour reproduces the field-applied protection. The suspension is movable, and the hatches can be assembled open or closed.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull and turret in cast texture
• Long 90 mm T15E1 gun with counterweight and an extended gun travel lock
• Additional frontal armour
• Movable suspension
• Vinyl belt tracks
• Hatches that can be assembled open or closed
• Five figures: three infantrymen and two crew torsos
• Decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35319
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 245 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (large model, figures)

Note: This kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

Thanks to the excellent part fit typical of Tamiya, the model is approachable even for less experienced builders, and the option to assemble the suspension yourself adds to the building experience. The figures are best painted separately before being placed on the vehicle and in the scene.

For painting, the typical U.S. Olive Drab is recommended, matching the chosen marking option, including vehicles from the fighting in Germany in 1945. Military vehicles are usually finished with a matt varnish, and the detail and recesses benefit from a wash and dry-brushing.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Polystyrene cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Optionally: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – T26E4 Super Pershing:

The M26 Pershing was a U.S. heavy tank introduced late in WWII. Its 90 mm M3 gun, though effective, did not match the guns of German heavy tanks. To remedy this, a longer 90 mm T15E1 gun firing a higher-velocity round was developed and mounted on a modified Pershing chassis.

This created the Super Pershing. The T26E4 version was additionally fitted with field-reinforced frontal armour, intended to provide protection comparable to the heaviest German designs. These vehicles were built in small numbers and were tested and used in combat in the final phase of the war in Europe, taking part in a handful of engagements with German tanks.

Original specifications (T26E4 Super Pershing):

• Length with gun: approx. 8.6 m
• Width: approx. 3.5 m
• Height: approx. 2.8 m
• Combat weight: approx. 47 t
• Crew: 5
• Main armament: long 90 mm T15E1 gun
• Secondary armament: 12.7 mm heavy machine gun and 7.62 mm machine guns
• Powerplant: Ford GAF petrol engine, approx. 500 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 40 km/h
• Armour: reinforced with additional frontal armour

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of the Japanese model industry. The company initially traded in timber, but from the late 1940s it produced wooden models, and in 1960 it launched its first plastic assembly kit. Two years later it introduced its iconic 1:35 scale tank, which set the worldwide standard scale for military modelling. The brand is renowned for exceptionally precise injection moulds and excellent part fit, which is why its kits are favoured by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this model belongs, comprises hundreds of items and is considered one of the most comprehensive 1:35 catalogues of military vehicles in the world. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling supplies: paints, glues, tools and brushes.