T19 105mm Howitzer Motor Carriage

Throughout WWII, the USA employed halftracks in a variety of roles. One need was for mobile artillery able to keep pace with armored formations, and one such vehicle was the T19 Howitzer Motor Carriage (HMC). The “T” designation (rather than a standardized “M”) indicates the vehicle was only an expedient measure. Indeed, it was an interim solution until the M7 Priest came on stream in 1942.

The T19 was essentially an M3 halftrack mounting an M2A1 105mm howitzer in the rear compartment. A total of 324 T19 HMCs were produced by Diamond T in January-April 1942. A halftrack was not the best carriage for the howitzer as the vehicle was cramped and overloaded, so much so that the T19 could carry only eight 105mm rounds. Despite drawbacks such as minimal armored protection, the T19 served with the U.S. Army in North Africa and Sicily, and even in Italy in limited numbers. With the arrival of the M7 Priest, many T19s were converted back into standard M3 halftracks.

Dragon is welcoming a T19 HMC into its 1/35 stable of U.S. halftrack plastic kits. As a Smart Kit, this new release is full of well-engineered components guaranteed to give modelers of all skill levels a pleasurable build. Where practical, it employs multimedia parts for added realism – elements such as an aluminum gun barrel or individual photo-etched parts for the front armored slats. The T19 fighting compartment is a brand new molding, as is the 105mm howitzer and its mount. No detail is spared, with a complete engine, drive-train, differential, steering mechanism and intricate detail on the rear suspension bogey all included. The track bands are made from plastic for maximum realism and ease of construction. The T19 adds a new dimension to the American halftrack family, adding some real firepower to a diorama from the North African or Mediterranean theater!

Features:

Aluminum gun barrel w/finely reproduced rifling

Brand new T19 105mm howitzer w/complete breech

Intricately reproduced gun elevation system

Fully detailed gun cradle mount w/bolt and support-brace details

New fighting compartment configuration for T19

Shield supports connected to gun also included

Gun trails w/hand wheels finely reproduced

Gun breech made by slide molds

Cradle-mounted M1919A4 w/ammunition box finely rendered

Floor pattern realistically produced

Gun shield for T19 105mm howitzer has fine details

Newly tooled ammunition bracket w/ammo

Detailed dashboard instrument panel

Delicate steering wheel and controls

Photo-etched visors for armored window covers

Armored front grill can be modeled in two modes; individual photo-etched slats available for open position

Front hood mounts reproduced by photo-etched parts

New fighting compartment side armor w/handle detail

Fine screw-head and rivet detail present on inner and outer armor plate surfaces

Detailed door at rear of fighting compartment

Newly designed rear plate w/step detail

Top half of cab door can be assembled in lowered position

One-piece exhaust and muffler

Sharply molded OVM

Differential housing has bolt and rib detail

Dual drive train w/disc-brake assembly

Complete engine w/radiator and oul sump

Suspension springs finely rendered

Full drive-train assembly w/engine transmission, differential housing and suspension units

Plastic track modeled w/center-guide band

Finely detailed one-piece chassis

Bogie assembly with internal spring detail

Fully detailed steering mechanism

Tires intentionally shaped to mimic bulging caused by heavy load

Multi-directional slide-molded sprockets and idler wheels

Models are supplied unpainted and assembly may be required.