026 M551 Sheridan

Additional Information

The M551 "Sheridan" AR/AAV (Armored Reconnaissance/Airborne Assault Vehicle) was a light tank developed by the United States and named after General Philip Sheridan, of American Civil War fame. It was designed to be landed by parachute and to swim across rivers. It was armed with the technically advanced but troublesome M81/M81 Modified/M81E1 152 mm gun/launcher, which fired both conventional ammunition and the MGM-51 Shillelagh guided anti-tank missile. The M551 Sheridan entered service with the United States Army in 1967. At the urging of General Creighton Abrams, the U.S. Commander, Military Assistance Command Vietnam, at the time, the M551 was rushed into combat service to South Vietnam in January 1969. Later that year, M551s were deployed to units in Europe and South Korea. The Sheridan saw extensive combat in the Vietnam War, where problems with the platform became evident, particularly its poor survivability and reliability. The model is built from the AFVClub kit. Bears the distinctive insignia of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the US Army during the Vietnam War. Painting was done with TAMIYA acrylic paints, with effects of lightening, darkening and faded areas, so that the model looks three-dimensional and impressive. Also visible are traces of scratches and chipped paint, as well as dirt streaks and dust.