ACADEMY PLASTIC HOBBY MODEL KIT 1/35 M12 155mm SELF-PROPELLED ARTILLERY

As World War 2 began in Europe and It was Clear that America would be drawn into the war it was decided that the US Army must develop a self propelled gun. Engineers enlisted the World War 1 veteran the French 155mm gun as their choice. They also choose the M3 Lee tank chassis as the basis for the design. The MI2's ordered were used for training purposes only. In 1943. with the invasion of Europe imminent, the US. Army decided to have the M12's upgraded for possibIe use in overseas theaters. The heavier suspension of the M4 with rear mounted return roller was to modernize the vehicle. Baldwin Locomotive Works. the company updating the units, also mounted a small shield on the gun mount and removed the co-drivers' hatch. With an elevation of -3' 10 +35' and traverse capabilites of  28' to 14' the 155mm gun on the M12 carried ten rounds of artillery and had a maximum range of 15,200 yards. A 353 horsepower air-cooled Continental R975 radial engine yielded a maximum speed of 24 miles per hour. In June of 1944 they were sent to Europe and used for several major battles including the taking of Cologne.

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