M10 in Normandy – Model tank - The Armored Patrol

Here’s the newest addition to JandersUF collection of tank models

Dramatic view…. The M10 Tank Destroyer (a mobile, 3″ anti-tank gun built basically on an under-armored Sherman drivetrain, with an open top for excellent visibility) here has pulled up to offer direct fire support to the infantry. While designed to be a rapid-reaction anti-tank vehicle, meant to counter-attack or redeploy to defend against massed Panzer blitzs, the M10 ended up being used basically as a tank or an assault gun due to the operational realities of the Western European theatre when it was deployed.

This model represents an M10 of the 234th Tank Destroyer Battalion, which was attached to the 1st Infantry Division after D-day, and assisted in the breakout from Normandy. This is a hypothetical action set in August of 1944.

Here you can see the “Culin” hedgerow cutter– an improvised device made from recycled German beach defenses to allow the vehicle to penetrate through the thick Bocage of Normandy. Also note the markings for the 634th TD Battalion, and the way the crew created a shelf for their improvised sand bag armor.

Here you can see the tools carried on the back of the tank, the redeploying infantry, and the exhaust deflator below the rear of the hull. And some mud. Tanks love mud.

I like this overly dramatic framed shot.

The 3″ ammunition is actually made of brass– no paint looks like the real thing. He’s loading an HE round here.

Nice overall show, showing the excellent visibility from this TD.

The M10 had a 3″ gun, with better anti-armor capability than the Sherman’s standard 75mm. Closer to the up gunned 76mm late war model.

The demolished brick wall is aftermarket, made of plaster.

The infantry isn’t running away… they are “Tactically Redeploying”

…. tactically redeploying on the double. The mesh on the back of the tank destroyer is chicken wire, which could later be attached to the sides of the tank to hold foliage and other improvised camouflage.

The figures are painted in Vallejo brand acrylics

A view of some of the weathering and patina of the TD’s hull.

The tank is painted largely in AK’s new Real Color line of paints, weathered with oils and pigments.

The closer you get, the worse the figures look 😉 First figures I’ve painted in 20 years.

The left side of the tank is weathered as if it just bounded through a muddy puddle on the way to its firing position.

Can’t get enough of these sandbags. They are aftermarket, made of resin, by PanzerArt

Dramatic top view, repeated for effect.

You can see a 3rd figure, the gunner, ducked down at his sight. Interestingly, the turret on this thing had to be manually turned by spinning handles…

Mud mud mud mud.

The little bosses on the sides of the M10 were to allow for add-on armor if it was felt they needed added defense– the design had light armor to enhance mobility. They were never used in reality.