Academy 1/35 M18 Hellcat U.S. Army WWII Tank Destroyer Model Kit – ACD13255

Academy 1/35 M18 Hellcat U.S. Army WWII Tank Destroyer Plastic Model Kit – ACD13255

Recreate one of the fastest American armored fighting vehicles of World War II with the Academy 1/35 M18 Hellcat U.S. Army tank destroyer plastic model kit (ACD13255). This detailed military armor model represents the famous 76 mm Gun Motor Carriage M18, a lightweight, highly mobile tank destroyer designed to engage enemy armored vehicles using speed, maneuverability, and powerful anti-tank armament.

Originally sold as Academy kit number 1375, this 1/35 scale M18 Hellcat is now cataloged under manufacturer part number 13255. The kit features a detailed open-top turret, 76 mm main gun, interior crew and transmission compartments, suspension components, and a choice of flexible or individual-link tracks. With two historical U.S. Army marking options, the Academy Hellcat is an excellent project for modelers interested in American WWII tanks, tank destroyers, and military vehicle dioramas.

Academy M18 Hellcat Model Kit Features

• 1/35 scale U.S. Army M18 Hellcat tank destroyer
• Academy manufacturer part number 13255, formerly kit number 1375
• Historically recognizable open-top turret and low-profile armored hull
• Detailed 76 mm main gun and gun breech components
• Rotating turret with elevating main gun
• Detailed crew compartment and transmission interior
• One-piece lower hull with separate suspension components
• Detailed road wheels, drive sprockets, and idler wheels
• Choice of flexible one-piece or individual-link tracks
• Optional open or closed vehicle hatches
• Exterior accessories including jerry cans, towing equipment, and ammunition containers
• Detailed machine gun and additional vehicle equipment
• Two U.S. Army marking options representing 1944 operations in France and Germany
• Waterslide decals and illustrated assembly instructions
• Approximately 7.5 inches long when assembled
• Unassembled plastic model kit requiring glue and paint

History of the American M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer

The M18 Hellcat, officially designated the 76 mm Gun Motor Carriage M18, was developed for the United States Army during World War II. Unlike conventional tanks, the Hellcat was designed specifically for the tank destroyer role, emphasizing mobility and rapid response against enemy armored formations.

Development of the M18 reflected the American tank destroyer doctrine of the early war years, which envisioned fast, heavily armed vehicles capable of moving quickly to intercept enemy tank breakthroughs.

The Hellcat entered production in 1943 and served in combat during 1944 and 1945. Its lightweight construction, powerful radial engine, and relatively thin armor allowed it to achieve exceptional road speeds for a tracked armored vehicle.

Approximately 2,500 M18 Hellcats were produced during World War II, making the vehicle an important part of American armored operations during the final years of the conflict.

M18 Hellcat – Speed and Mobility on the Battlefield

One of the defining characteristics of the M18 Hellcat tank destroyer was its remarkable speed. Powered by a Continental R-975 radial engine, the Hellcat could reach road speeds of approximately 50 to 55 miles per hour under favorable conditions.

This performance made it one of the fastest tracked armored fighting vehicles fielded during World War II. Its mobility allowed crews to reposition quickly, respond to enemy movements, and seek advantageous firing positions.

The Hellcat achieved this performance partly through its relatively light armor protection. While this reduced weight and improved speed, it also meant that crews relied heavily on tactical positioning, concealment, and maneuverability rather than heavy armor to survive enemy fire.

The open-top turret provided excellent visibility and helped reduce vehicle weight, although it exposed the crew to artillery fragments, small-arms fire from elevated positions, and harsh weather conditions.

76 mm Gun and American Tank Destroyer Armament

The M18 Hellcat was armed with a 76 mm M1-series anti-tank gun, providing a useful combination of firepower and mobility against German armored vehicles.

The gun was capable of engaging many enemy tanks and armored fighting vehicles encountered during the war, particularly when crews could maneuver into favorable firing positions.

Against heavily armored German vehicles such as the Panther and Tiger, successful engagements depended on factors including range, ammunition type, impact angle, and the location of the hit.

The Hellcat also carried a .50 caliber machine gun for additional defensive capability. Its rotating turret and relatively low silhouette allowed crews to engage targets from concealed or protected positions.

Academy's model reproduces the Hellcat's distinctive open turret and main gun arrangement, including interior details that can be viewed through the open fighting compartment.

M18 Hellcat in World War II Combat

The M18 Hellcat served with American tank destroyer battalions in the European Theater during World War II, participating in operations in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany.

Hellcats supported advancing Allied forces following the Normandy landings and participated in important engagements during the liberation of France and the subsequent advance toward Germany.

During the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, American tank destroyer units used the Hellcat's mobility and 76 mm gun to counter German armored attacks and support defensive operations.

The Hellcat's combination of speed, maneuverability, and firepower made it particularly effective when used with careful positioning and coordinated tactics.

Two Historical U.S. Army Marking Options

The Academy 1/35 M18 Hellcat includes waterslide decals and finishing instructions for two historical U.S. Army vehicle appearances:

• France, September 1944: A U.S. Army M18 Hellcat representing American armored operations during the Allied advance across France.
• Germany, December 1944: A U.S. Army M18 Hellcat representing late-1944 operations in the European Theater.

These options allow modelers to recreate the appearance of American tank destroyers during important stages of the campaign in Western Europe.

Detailed Interior, Turret, and Suspension Components

Academy's M18 Hellcat provides extensive modeling opportunities through its detailed interior and exterior components.

The kit includes transmission and crew compartment details, a realistic open-top fighting compartment, and a detailed gun assembly. The rotating turret and elevating main gun allow builders to select a preferred display position.

Separate suspension components and detailed road wheels reproduce the Hellcat's running gear. Modelers can choose between flexible tracks and individual-link track components, depending on their preferred construction method and finishing approach.

Exterior accessories such as fuel containers, towing equipment, and ammunition storage add further visual interest to the completed vehicle. The open fighting compartment makes careful interior painting particularly rewarding.

Painting and Weathering a 1/35 Scale M18 Hellcat

The Academy M18 Hellcat is an excellent subject for modelers interested in American WWII military vehicle finishes and realistic battlefield weathering.

Many American armored vehicles of this period wore an Olive Drab base finish, often accompanied by white identification stars, tactical markings, and unit insignia. Historical reference photographs can help determine the appropriate appearance for the selected marking option.

Weathering techniques such as pin washes, dry brushing, dust effects, mud deposits, worn paint, and metallic track highlights can help recreate the appearance of an operational tank destroyer.

Special attention to the suspension, tracks, turret interior, gun breech, and exterior equipment can add realism to the finished model.

The completed M18 Hellcat makes an excellent addition to a collection alongside the M4 Sherman, M10 Wolverine, M36 Jackson, and other American WWII armored vehicles.

Explore additional American tanks, German armored vehicles, tank destroyers, and military modeling subjects in our Academy Tank & Military Armor Model Kits collection.

Complete Your Academy M18 Hellcat Model Kit

This Academy 1/35 scale military armor kit requires assembly and painting. Plastic model cement, paints, and hobby tools are sold separately. For authentic U.S. Army Olive Drab colors, primers, clear coats, washes, pigments, and weathering supplies, browse our model paints and hobby painting supplies.

Discover additional World War II military vehicles, aircraft, naval ships, and historical modeling subjects in our Academy Models collection, or explore our complete plastic model kits collection at Fusion Scale Hobbies.