Dragon Models 1/35 6637 US WW2 M7 Priest Self Propelled Gun Kit

In the new era of modern mobile armoured warfare, the USA recognized the need for a self-propelled howitzer that could keep pace with tanks and lend rapid fire support. Out of the quest for such a vehicle, the American M7 Priest was born. Originally based on the chassis of the M3 Lee tank, the Priest received its name owing to the distinctive pulpit-like mount for the machine gun. A 105mm howitzer was fitted in the open-topped superstructure, and production of the new weapon commenced in the USA in April 1942. Priests began equipping the US Army, but some were also diverted to the British Army which was fighting in North Africa at that early stage. The Priest served with the US Army throughout the war. In all, 3490 Priests were produced, and such was their success that they served in US and other Allied armies well after WWII had concluded.