M55 203mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

Plastic model kit to build an M55 203 mm self-propelled howitzer

• Scale 1:35
• Dimensions LxW (built): 237.6 x 105.5 mm
• 850+ pieces
• Photo-etched parts included
• Turret and lower hull manufactured using the slide mold process
• 2 marking options
• not built/not painted
• Paint and glue not included

The M55 Self-Propelled Howitzer was an American development emerging out of the 1950s. The vehicle was designed around commonality of automotive parts with the existing M46 and M47 Patton series of medium combat tanks stocking US Cold War inventories at the time. The M55 was similar in scope and function to the preceding M53 self-propelled assault gun armed with a 155mm main gun barrel. However, the M55 utilized a much larger 203.2mm M47 howitzer instead which limited total ammunition carried due to the heftier shells. Production of M55s was handled by the Pacific Car & Foundry Company throughout the 1950s. Many US Army M53 systems were then upgraded to the M55 standard.

Some M55s were utilized operational during the American involvement in the Vietnam War (1955-1975) though they were eventually removed from inventory within time.