The M40 Gun Motor Carriage (GMC) was developed to replace the successful M12 155mm GMC built of the older M3 Chassis with the new vehicle built on the M4A3 chassis using the new HVSS suspension, this configuration first seeing service as the M4A3E8. The M40 was armed with the newer 155mm M1 gun with the engine moved midships and the large open rear area used to mount the M1 gun.
The M40 was first used in the closing months of WWII but was most notable used as the mainstay of US Artillery during the Korean War.

Without doubt this kit has had the longest gestation period of any kit with it first mentioned over 4 years ago and the first instalment of the HVSS suspension set (#AF35030) appearing in 2003 with also some of the “newer” sprues marked 2004 and 2005 showing work has been progressing steadily over that time. But the wait is now over with the kit finally being released and we can see if the wait was worth it.

The Kit:
The kit consists of 446 parts in olive drab plastic, 6 in clear plastic, a metal barrel, a small etched fret, a length of twine plus a set of vinyl T66 tracks and the decal and instruction sheets.