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Letterman Productions |
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AF Visual - The M-36 by David Doyle |
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Reviewed By Bob Morales, #31535 |
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Pages: 48 (52 including the covers…) Illustrations: 106 (105 b & w, 1 color) MSRP - $12.95 USD The M-36 Jackson tank destroyer was developed as a replacement for the M-10 series TDs by the US Army in WWII. As heavier German tanks were entering the battle front, such as the Tiger and Jagdpanther, the 3-inch gun of the M10 was no longer adequate in the TD role. The weapon selected to replace the 3” gun was a modification of the 90mm anti-aircraft gun, designated the T7. Originally, the idea was to install the T7 in the existing M-10 turret. This proved to be impractical due to the larger breach of the T7 and issues surrounding stowage of the 90mm ammunition. Thus a new turret was designed, and hull modifications were made to produce a replacement TD. Some of the new turrets were also added to the hulls of M4A3 Sherman tanks due to a need for additional TDs in theatre, which were designated M36B1. While TDs were known for their speed and firepower, the TD’s lack of protection and change in tactical theory that the best anti-tank weapon was another tank led to the demise of the TD as a weapon system. The M-36 series represents the pinnacle, yet final, TD development by the United States. This monograph does a reasonable job of covering the Jackson series from development to production, and includes images from TMs, wartime photos and detail shots of a surviving M-36. Most of the photos are well-sized and clear. One error in captioning on page 29, where a Sherman hulled M-36B1 is labeled “another M-36”. This is a distinctive enough vehicle to deserve its full nomenclature. The book is a good photo-reference on the Jackson. As it does not include any specifications or line drawings, more detail oriented builders will likely need another source such as the Hunnicutt book or Squadron’s Tank Destroyers in Action for reference. Recommendation: could be better, but a handy collection of M-36 pictures is a welcome addition to any Allied armor modeler’s library. |
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