Ground Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>Stuart/M8 HMC>HG4911

General Background

The U.S. military had requested a light close-support vehicle so a standard M5 with the turret removed was tested. A new open-top turret was installed, the Driver and Co-driver were moved forward to accommodate a larger turret and with limited space in the vehicle the chassis was modified to tow an armored ammunition trailer. The M8 was the first American fully tracked Self Propelled Howitzer with 1,778 vehicles being produced between September 1942 and January 1944. The M8 was gradually replaced by the M4 Sherman with 105mm Howitzers.

Specifications :

Manufacturer:	General Motors, Cadillac Motor Car Division
Length of Production:	September 1942 – January 1944
Number produced:	1,778
Crew:	4 x Commander, Gunner, Driver, Co-driver
Performance:
Powerplant:	2 x Cadillac 5,670 cc V-8 gasoline engines each producing 110 bhp@4,000 rpm
Maximum Speed:
Cross Country:	24 mph
On Road:	36 mph
Distance Without Refueling:	100 miles
Weight:	36,000 lbs
Suspension:	Vertical Volute
Dimensions:
Length :	14 ft 2.75 ins
Width :	7 ft 4.25 ins
Height :	7 ft 6.5 ins
Armament:
Main Gun:	1 x 75 mm M2 Howitzer with 46 rounds on board and 93 in towed armored ammunition trailer
Secondary:	1 x Browning M2HB .50 caliber MG with 400 rounds
Armor Thickness:
Maximum:	67 mm
Minimum:	12 mm