Tamiya 35323 - 1:35 Israeli Tank M51 Sherman

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the Israeli M51 Sherman tank

Tamiya 35323 reproduces the Israeli M51 Sherman tank – the result of a deep modernisation of a WWII veteran. In the 1960s, the Israeli Defense Forces re-armed M4A1 Shermans with the powerful French 105 mm CN-105-F1 gun. The larger calibre required a muzzle brake and a large counterweight at the rear of the turret to balance the long barrel.

The model was made from detailed studies of a preserved museum example. It captures the vehicle's characteristic silhouette, the 105 mm gun with muzzle brake and counterweight, and the HVSS suspension with wider tracks. The hull and turret have a realistic cast texture, and the included tools and jerry cans enhance its display qualities.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull and turret in cast texture
• French 105 mm CN-105-F1 gun with muzzle brake and counterweight
• HVSS suspension
• Wider vinyl belt tracks of the T80 type
• Accessories: tools and jerry cans
• Two figures: commander and loader torsos
• Decal sheet for three marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35323
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 257 mm, width: 86 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

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. The vinyl belt tracks simplify assembly of the running gear. The figures are best painted separately before being placed on the vehicle.

For painting, the typical Israeli Sinai Grey is recommended, matching the chosen marking option. 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 – M51 Sherman:

The M51 was created in the 1960s from an Israeli modernisation of M4A1 Sherman tanks. Fitting the French 105 mm CN-105-F1 gun required adding a muzzle brake to reduce recoil and a large counterweight at the rear of the turret. The vehicle also received a diesel engine of about 460 hp and HVSS suspension with wider tracks, noticeably improving its mobility.

During the Six-Day War in 1967, the M51s fought against the more modern T-54/55 and JS-3 tanks of the Egyptian, Iraqi and Syrian armies. Thanks to HEAT ammunition, the 105 mm gun effectively engaged these targets. After the war, the M51s remained in service until the early 1980s.

Original specifications (M51 Sherman):

• Length: approx. 6.4 m
• Width: approx. 2.7 m
• Height: approx. 2.7 m
• Combat weight: approx. 39 t
• Crew: 5
• Main armament: French 105 mm CN-105-F1 gun
• Secondary armament: 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns
• Powerplant: diesel engine, approx. 460 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 45 km/h
• Suspension: HVSS type

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.