Tamiya 35365 - 1:35 M551 Sheridan Vietnam War

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the American M551 Sheridan light tank (Vietnam War)

The M551 Sheridan combined features rarely seen together in one vehicle: an aluminium hull, the ability to be parachute-dropped, and a 152 mm gun-launcher firing both conventional ammunition and Shillelagh guided anti-tank missiles. In Vietnam, Sheridans served with armored cavalry units, where they were used mainly for fire support and convoy escort.

Tamiya 35365 is based on new tooling from 2019. It reproduces the distinctive tall turret with its massive gun-launcher, the machine gun shield mounted on the turret and the smoke grenade launchers — features typical of vehicles in the Vietnam theatre. Three figures in action poses help bring the finished model to life or form the basis of a diorama.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the hull, turret, gun-launcher and running gear
• Machine gun shield and smoke grenade launchers
• Link-and-length tracks (individual links and longer runs)
• 3 figures in action poses
• Waterslide decal sheet for 2 marking options: 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment (25th Infantry Division, Vietnam 1969) and 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (1969)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 35365
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model length: 185 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (link-and-length tracks)

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

Assembly:

The model is an enjoyable build thanks to its excellent parts fit. The link-and-length tracks require the most attention — the longer runs go on quickly, while the individual links in the curves are best fitted gradually to achieve a natural track line. The machine gun shield and smoke grenade launchers are best added at the end, after the main body has been painted.

A US olive drab finish is recommended (e.g. Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab). The instructions give the manufacturer's paint codes for both marking options. The weathering typical of Vietnam — reddish dust, mud and paint wear along armour edges — is well reproduced with washes, light dry-brushing and pigments. Applying the decals over a gloss coat helps avoid silvering, and a matt varnish makes a suitable final finish. For those seeking extra precision, the Tamiya 12687 set with a metal barrel and photo-etched parts is available separately — an accessory sold on its own and not included in this kit.

Tools required:

• Sprue cutters
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers (for track links)
• Brushes in various sizes, including fine ones for the figures
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Gloss varnish for decals and matt varnish for the final finish
• Wash to bring out detail
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – M551 Sheridan:

The Sheridan was designed as an airborne light tank intended to give rapid-reaction units firepower comparable to that of medium tanks. To keep the weight down, the hull was made of aluminium alloy, and power came from a Detroit 6V53T diesel engine of 300 hp. At around 15 tonnes, the vehicle could be dropped by parachute.

At the heart of the design was the 152 mm M81 gun-launcher, able to fire both conventional rounds with combustible cases and Shillelagh guided anti-tank missiles. The concept offered great flexibility but proved complex in service, and the powerful recoil placed a heavy load on the light hull.

Sheridans were deployed to armored cavalry units in Vietnam from 1969. Their high-explosive rounds proved effective against infantry and fortifications, while the thin armour and aluminium construction made the vehicle vulnerable to mines and anti-tank grenades. Around 1,660 were built between 1966 and 1970.

Original vehicle specifications (M551 Sheridan):

• Combat weight: approx. 15.2 t
• Crew: 4
• Main armament: 152 mm M81 gun-launcher (conventional ammunition and Shillelagh guided anti-tank missiles)
• Hull: aluminium alloy
• Powerplant: Detroit 6V53T diesel engine, 300 hp
• Character: airborne light tank
• Production: approx. 1,660 vehicles (1966–1970)

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company began in the timber trade and wooden products, releasing its first plastic model kit in 1960. Two years later came its first 1:35 scale tank — a scale that, thanks to Tamiya, became the worldwide standard for armour modelling. The brand is known for precise injection moulds, well-thought-out kit engineering and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, comprises hundreds of releases covering vehicles, guns and figures from around the world. Tamiya instructions are clear, richly illustrated and include paint codes from the company's own range. Alongside model kits, Tamiya offers a full range of accessories: paints, cements, putties, tools and brushes. Today the company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.