Solido/Verem M41 "Gorilla" SPG

[Sgt. Stryker]

Hi.
I am wondering if anyone knows whether this 1:50 diecast piece is correctly named, and if it was used in WWII?
I thought that the M41 was the "Bulldog" tank, which was not used in WWII.

[binder001]

First don't forget that "M41" can be any number of things, you have to add the modifier..i.e " Tank, Combat, Full Track, 90mm gun, M48A3" for Vietnam Era stuff, or "Medium Tank M4A3" for WW2 stuff. So with that out of the way, there was a "Light Tank M41" as well as "155mm Self Propelled Howitzer M41".

The M41 SP 155 Howitzer was based on M24 light tank components - part of the "light combat team" project. No, the M41 SPH did not get used in WW2, but DID see action in Korea.

As far as the nickname "Gorilla", I have heard it used for years, but I don't think it was an official Army nickname.

Hope this helps.

[lightning2000]

Hi,
I spoke with a historian awhile back regarding the US M41 SP gun. I believe it was affectionately know as the "Godzilla" not a "Gorilla" as Solido misidentifies it. They also mislabeled their Kugelbitz flak gun as a Kubelblitz and have, on occasion, misidentified other vehicles in their line. I guess some things got lost in the translation.

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.bigstep.com

[Sgt. Stryker]

Hi again.
I read the M41 historical description at The Motor Pool which states that this vehicle used an M4 chassis, and saw service in January, 1945 (during the WWII era). Is the M41 being confused in this description with the M43?

Also, I am wondering if anyone here at Groundpounders can tell us when the following tanks available by Solido/Verem first saw active service:
1. T-34/85
2. SU-100
3. Jagdpanther
4. Leopard
5. M36 "Jackson"
6. M47 "Patton"

Thanks!
Stryker

[mikestanks]

Chamberlain and Ellis (Tanks of the World, 1915-1945) says the T-34/85 started in service in 1945.

According to Armour in Profile #21, the SU 100 first saw service in 1944.

Chamberlain and Doyle (Encyclopedia of German tanks of WWII) note that the Jagdpather was manufactured between January 1944 to March 1945.

According to Miller in Tanks of the World, 8676 M47 Patton's were made from 1950-1953, although he notes the Patton "entered service" in 1952.

Miller also says the Leopard I entered service in 1967

Hope this helps!

Mike

www.mikestanks.com

[binder001]

the M36 entered service in Europe in the later fall of 1944. Did not see active wartime service in Italy or Pacific.

the M47 was rushed through development because of the Korean War, but it never did fire a shot in anger in US service. The tank got to the troops about 1952 or 1953.