How about a 761st Tank Battalion? (1 Viewer)

[steel wheels]

Speaking of historic releases, I would love for K&C to release a Sherman from the 761st tank battalion, complete with an African American tank crew. How cool would it be to see the words 'Patton's Panthers", written on the side of the tank. I hope the K&C people strongly consider releasing such a set in the future.

 

[Louis Badolato]

I would love to see that. Andy is cognizant of the heroism of African-American troops during WWII. He did a red ball express figure for K&C's second deuce and a half truck, and he also did a Tuskeegee Airman for Del Prado. I think its very possible he might do this regiment of African American patriots as well.

 

[binder001]

I second (or third) the motion for a vehicle from the 761st. Their most common vehicle seems to be the M4A3 with 76mm gun in the three medium companies (at least this model shows up in most photos), the light company (Co D) would have had M5A1s. M4A3 105 howitzer tanks would have been the primary assault guns.

K&C have NOT done an M4A3 76mm Wet Stowage before in any line, so it would be a new Sherman model. The 761st was employed during the Battle of the Bulge in support of infantry divisions - commonly the 35th Div. They are HIGHLY appropriate to add to the "Battle of the Bulge" series that K&C has, but the same tanks could be in the "DDay" series as well, although the 761st didn't get into combat until fall.

We can always hope!

Gary

 

[Rob]

I would love to see that. Andy is cognizant of the heroism of African-American troops during WWII. He did a red ball express figure for K&C's second deuce and a half truck, and he also did a Tuskeegee Airman for Del Prado. I think its very possible he might do this regiment of African American patriots as well.

I'd love to see a Red Ball express truck and figure,what a miracle these drivers performed,would be a nice salute to their memory i think.

Rob

 

[Louis Badolato]

I'd love to see a Red Ball express truck and figure,what a miracle these drivers performed,would be a nice salute to their memory i think.

Rob

K&C already did one - DD39, the second Deuce and Half truck is red ball express.

 

[steel wheels]

There is an excellent Illustrated history available called "761st Black Panther Tank Battalion In WW-2", by Joe Wilson Jr. His father actually served in the 784th tank battalion, another African American tank unit. The book has is loaded with some great photo's. I would actually like to see a movie made about these guys, as well as a K&C salute. They deserve recognition.

 

[binder001]

Here is a commonly reproduced photo of one of the 761st Tank Battalion M4A3 medium tanks. The tank has the 76mm gun in the "T23" style turret. Note all the crewmen poking out of the hatches, this would make an interesting K&C tank for the BoB series! Note the rail holding musette bags and stowage on the turret and the large star insignia. These all add up to something that Andy hasn't done yet.

 

[OldCelt]

Here is a commonly reproduced photo of one of the 761st Tank Battalion M4A3 medium tanks. The tank has the 76mm gun in the "T23" style turret. Note all the crewmen poking out of the hatches, this would make an interesting K&C tank for the BoB series! Note the rail holding musette bags and stowage on the turret and the large star insignia. These all add up to something that Andy hasn't done yet.

HERE!HERE! You can never have too many Sherman Tanks.
That photo would be a great starting place!
O.C.

 

[steel wheels]

They also used some Chaffees later in the war. Andy, maybe that olive drab vesion of the Chaffee that is coming in a few months can belong to the 761st? A sherman with a hedgecutter, and the boys of the 761st, would be awesome. You could even include a Patton figure, as they were known as "Patton's Panthers". Just imagine a muddy ol' Sherman 76mm, with the tank commander saluting Patton as they drive by. I promise to buy the first one released.

 

[binder001]

They also used some Chaffees later in the war. Andy, maybe that olive drab vesion of the Chaffee that is coming in a few months can belong to the 761st? A sherman with a hedgecutter, and the boys of the 761st, would be awesome. You could even include a Patton figure, as they were known as "Patton's Panthers". Just imagine a muddy ol' Sherman 76mm, with the tank commander saluting Patton as they drive by. I promise to buy the first one released.

1) most photos of the 761st with M24s are post VE Day (unfortunately) but you never know, they MIGHT have gotten some before the end of the war.

2) You mention a Sherman with a hedgerow cutter. I don't know if you are thinking of this feature on the 761st tank, but please note that the 761st entered combat after the hedgerow fighting. They never had need of this gadget on any of their tanks.

3) As I mentioned in the "Suggestions" area - the old DD22 "Patton Command Car" is showing its age. A nice new 3/4 ton Dodge command car with a "Army Commander" would be a nice addition to the US lineup.

Gary