Tamiya 35376 - 1:35 M18 Hellcat US Tank Destroyer

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the US tank destroyer M18 Hellcat

The M18 Hellcat was the purest expression of American tank destroyer doctrine: fast, agile, hard-hitting and barely armoured. Torsion bar suspension and a Continental R-975 radial engine let it reach 80 km/h. Tamiya 35376 reproduces it from tooling created in 2022.

Because the Hellcat's turret was open at the top, its interior remains visible on the finished model — hence the reproduction of the 76 mm gun breech, the ammunition rack, the radio and the turret traverse gears. The headlight lenses are supplied as clear parts. The tracks are of the link-and-length type. The included figure depicts a standing tank crewman.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the hull, turret and interior fittings
• Clear parts (headlight lenses)
• Link-and-length tracks
• Standing tank crewman figure
• Decal sheet for two marking options (Italian front)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Product number: 35376
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model size: approx. 192 × 80 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (link-and-length tracks, turret interior)

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

Building the model:

With an open turret, it makes sense to start with the interior — painting the gun breech, ammunition rack and radio before closing the structure up saves a great deal of trouble. The rest of the build goes smoothly thanks to the excellent parts fit typical of Tamiya. The link-and-length tracks call for patience but cause no problems.

For painting we suggest US Olive Drab (e.g. Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab); the instructions give Tamiya paint codes for both Italian front schemes. Applying decals over a gloss coat helps avoid silvering, and a matt varnish makes a suitable final finish. The turret interior benefits from a wash, while pigments reproduce the dust and mud of Italian roads.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – M18 Hellcat:

Early American doctrine held that enemy tanks should be fought by specialised tank destroyers — fast, heavily armed vehicles that strike and immediately change position. The M18 Hellcat was the purest realisation of that idea.

Weighing only 17.7 tonnes, it was powered by a Continental R-975 radial engine of about 400 hp, and its torsion bar suspension allowed speeds of up to 80 km/h — more than any other tracked combat vehicle of the war. Its armament was a 76 mm M1 gun, served by a crew of five.

The price of that speed was very thin armour and an open-topped turret — the Hellcat could not stand and take fire. Where crews knew how to use its mobility, however, it proved highly effective, and its gun could deal with most German medium tanks.

Original vehicle specifications (M18 Hellcat):

• Length: approx. 6.65 m
• Width: approx. 2.87 m
• Height: approx. 2.58 m
• Combat weight: approx. 17.7 t
• Crew: 5
• Main armament: 76 mm M1 gun
• Engine: Continental R-975 radial, approx. 400 hp
• Suspension: torsion bar
• Top speed: up to 80 km/h — the fastest tracked combat vehicle of the Second World War
• Design features: open turret, thin armour

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The business began in timber and wooden models, and in 1960 it released its first injection-moulded plastic kit. Two years later came the 1:35 tank that established the scale as a worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for precise moulds and outstanding parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, runs to hundreds of releases and is one of the most comprehensive catalogues of 1:35 military vehicles anywhere. Alongside kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. Today the company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.