Tamiya 1/35 M36 (390)

Tamiya continues its series of popular 1/35 scale U.S. tank destroyers with the M36 Jackson. This article delves into the latest release, comparing it to previous kits and highlighting new features. As with other Tamiya releases, the packaging is excellent, with each sprue individually bagged for protection. Join us as we open the box and examine the contents of this highly anticipated model kit.

Historical Insight

The M36 Jackson, officially known as the 90 mm Gun Motor Carriage M36, was a pivotal U.S. tank destroyer used during World War II.  It was developed in response to the formidable armor of German tanks like the Panther and Tiger. The M36 mounted a powerful 90 mm gun on a modified M4A3 Sherman chassis, providing Allied forces with a much-needed mobile weapon capable of knocking out heavy German armor from a safe distance. Its high-velocity gun was a significant upgrade from the 76 mm guns found on earlier tank destroyers, earning it the nickname "Jackson" in recognition of its striking power.

By the way, here you can read review with M10 kit in the same scale.
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Watch this video-review where I show all parts even closer.

First frame comes in pair as you will find some suspension parts as well as the track lengths. Both are looking great, but assembly might take some time.

Turret will be assembled out of several sections, and main gun breach should be visible on the finished model. Tamiya supplies it in nicely detailed form, while main barrel is molded as one-piece part. Note also how tank crew figurine is designed.

Rear counterweight is molded as one-piece element. Such part should be easier to install onto your model.

Lower hull section should be glued out of separate panels. There are guiding elements which will help you with overall alignment of those.

Fighting compartment parts are also included in the kit. Nevertheless, this is definitely not a full interior package, so be ready for this.

Machine guns come on the separate sprue. Both are molded in nice quality, and it is interesting to see barrel molded separately.

Clear frame is packed into separate plastic bag. Molding quality looks fine, but there are no masks for those parts. Vinyl polycaps will be needed for some of the suspension parts.

Decals sheet is not that big, but here you will find all necessary symbols for two markings.

Separate brochure is printed in color and carries background information with color profiles, while assembly manual is printed in black-and-white. You can check pages in both in the video-review.

New M36 should be already available for purchase. In my opinion it is a great choice for modelers who would like to have their own copy of the tank destroyer and focus only on external features. While there are some interior items included, I think that today's kit is more about the details outside. Nevertheless, it is nice to have figurine included as it will make whole appearance a bit more interesting. I have no doubt that we will see some aftermarket soon, but even now you can find some items for more features on the model.

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Pros

• Nice molding quality
• Clever parts division
• Figurine included
• Good decals

Cons

• Only one figurine included
• Only two markings