Early in June 1944, Army commanders expressed a need for a new breed of tank that could mount either a 90mm or 105mm main gun. This request was approved by the Army Staff soon thereafter even though trials of the new T26E1 had already begun back at Fort Knox earlier that year. Unfortunately, the first limited run of procurement vehicles did not occur until December 1944, largely due to in-fighting among the Army brass who were unsure which gun to use. The first twenty T26E3s were finally shipped out to the ETO in January 1945, with some seeing action in western Germany the following month. Full production of the heavy tank began in March 1945 when it proved itself time and again against some of the more formidable German tanks fielded by the Wehrmacht. At the same time the tank was redesignated the M26 Pershing, in honor of WWI General 'Black Jack' Pershing. Total wartime production of the M26 reached 1,436 vehicles with a further 992 tanks produced in late 1945.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of an US M26A1 Pershing heavy tank which saw action at the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, during December 1950. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 4-inches
Width: 1-1/2-inches

Release Date: April 2008

Historical Account: "Perimeter Defense" - The Battle of Pusan Perimeter was fought in August and September 1950 between United Nations Command forces combined with South Korean forces and the forces of North Korea. The Pusan Perimeter was the area in extreme southeast Korea which was defined by the furthest advance of the North Korean troops during the Korean War. It extended along 140 miles and was named after the coastal city of Pusan. Much of its length coincided with the course of the Nakdong River. The Pusan Perimeter served primarily as an airhead for resupply and reinforcement until the Inchon landing, and counterattack against the North.