The fielding of bigger and heavier German tanks such as the Panther and Tiger during WWII required the Soviet Union to counter with more powerfully armed tanks and tank destroyers. One of those designed was the SU-85 tank destroyer, which had its successful combat debut during the Dnieper crossings in September 1943. However, the 85mm gun of the SU-85 was still not considered totally adequate, and the SU-100 with a more lethal gun was planned. In anticipation of the new tank destroyer, production of the SU-85 was cancelled in July 1944.

"However, due to problems with the armor-piercing ammunition for the 100mm gun, mass production of the SU-100 was delayed. As a stopgap measure, the SU-100 vehicle was instead fitted with the 85mm D-5S gun, and was designated SU-85M. It was distinguished by thicker frontal armor (75mm instead of 45mm) and a roomier fighting compartment.

Production of the SU-85M ceased in December 1944 after 315 had been manufactured, but Dragon has reactivated the SU-85M production line (albeit at a smaller 1/72 scale!). The newest member of the Dragon Armor family is one of these interim SU-85M variants from an unidentified unit fighting on the Eastern Front in 1945. This is the very first SU-85M from Dragon Armor, and all relevant details on the vehicle are accurately incorporated in this beautiful scale model. Even details as diminutive as the weld seams have been carefully rendered. It is painted in a typical Russian green color, and it wears an interesting set of tactical markings. The weathering has been expertly imparted, with even the guide horns on the tracks receiving a realistic treatment. This is an extremely appealing miniature armored vehicle, ideal for countering massed German panzers!"

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DML-60091RETAIL PRICE: $19.95SALE PRICE: $16.36