1:72 scale diecast model tank by Hobby Master 1:72 Ground Power Series HG3704. M46 Patton Tank US Army 73rd Tank Btn, Han River, Korea, February 1951.
Length 4 inches
Width 2 inches
The M46 Patton tank was named in honor of the famous US General George S. Patton Jr. It basically was an improved M26 Pershing and was meant to replace the M26 and M4 Sherman. 800 of the M26s became M46s when they received a new and more powerful engine and transmission with rearward-facing mufflers on each fenders and a main gun with a bore evacuator. A further 360 were converted to M46 standards plus they received improved braking, cooling and fire suppression systems, improved electrical equipment and a new designation, M46A1.
One of the 4 tank units sent to Korea in August 1950 was the 73rd Tank Battalion, a training unit for the M26 at Ft. Benning. In early 1951 M46 Pattons were shipped to make up for the losses the M26s had suffered due to insufficient numbers. The 73rd Tank Battalion received several of the new tanks and spent most of February and March along the Han River. Several tanks similar to this �C� Company M46 had �tiger� heads and paws painted on them to frighten the supposedly superstitious enemy soldiers.