Tamiya 1:35 M551 Sheridan (Vietnam War)

The Tamiya 1:35 M551 Sheridan (Vietnam War) is a plastic scale model kit of the M551 Sheridan light tank / armoured reconnaissance vehicle, as used by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era.

About the vehicle

The real M551 Sheridan was a lightweight airborne-capable armoured vehicle designed for rapid deployment and reconnaissance.

Key characteristics of the real vehicle:

• 152mm M81 gun/launcher (could fire both conventional shells and the Shillelagh missile)

• aluminium armour for air transportability

• crew of 4

• amphibious capability (with preparation kit)

• designed for airborne and reconnaissance forces

• used extensively in Vietnam with mixed operational results

• prioritised mobility and firepower over protection

In Vietnam, it was valued for fire support in infantry operations, despite its light armour.

About the model kit

The Tamiya 1:35 M551 Sheridan represents the Vietnam War configuration of this unique light tank.

Typical features include:

• 1:35 scale plastic AFV kit

• accurately shaped lightweight hull with aluminium armour representation

• detailed 152mm gun/launcher system

• realistic suspension and track system

• optional hatches and external equipment

• turret detail reflecting Vietnam-era configuration

• decal markings for U.S. Army Vietnam units

The kit is designed for modern WWII-to-Vietnam transition armour modelling and diorama use.

Key features

✔ 1:35 scale U.S. Vietnam War light tank
✔ M551 Sheridan with 152mm gun/launcher
✔ Airborne reconnaissance vehicle design
✔ Detailed turret and hull structure
✔ Vietnam War marking options included
✔ Classic Tamiya armour engineering

Typical build use

This kit is ideal for:

• Vietnam War U.S. Army dioramas

• airborne and mechanised infantry displays

• Cold War light armour collections

• jungle warfare scenes

• modern armour progression builds

Skill level

Intermediate

Suitable for:

• modellers with basic armour experience

• hobbyists interested in Vietnam-era vehicles

• builders focused on weathering and combat realism

Ideal for

• Vietnam War enthusiasts

• U.S. Army armour collectors

• 1:35 scale AFV modellers

• Cold War vehicle displays

• Tamiya military kit fans

Summary

The Tamiya 1:35 M551 Sheridan is a detailed model of a unique Vietnam-era light tank, representing the U.S. Army’s airborne armoured vehicle designed for rapid deployment and fire support in challenging combat environments.