Italeri Semovente M42 da 75/18 (1/35) 6569

SEMOVENTE M42 da 75/18NEW MOULDS – NEW GLUABLE TRACKS – PHOTO ETCHED FRET – DECALS SHEET FOR 4 VERSIONS – COLOR INSTRUCTIONS SHEETAt the end of the 1930s the Italian Regio Esercito (Royal Italian Army) began to deploy self-propelled artillery guns to provide support for tanks and infantry units. The Semovente 75/18 was developed on the back of the M series medium tank hull and soon became the most feared Italian armored vehicle. In addition to its primary artillery role, the 75mm howitzer installed in the casemate proved to be a highly effective anti-tank weapon, capable of destroying even the most powerful and heavily armored British and American tanks. As well as its formidable firepower, far superior to that of the M-13 and M-14 tanks, the Semovente was valued for its low profile which made it difficult to locate, and also for its overall on-road/off-road performance. It was deployed by the Regio Esercito in Africa and also in a defensive role during Allied operations in Italy. Following Italys withdrawal from the conflict it was used in service by some German Wehrmacht anti-tank units, thereby validating its overall battle effectiveness.