M109 Paladin 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer 1/72 Scale Diecast Metal Model by Altaya

1:72 Scale Metal Diecast – M109 Paladin Self Propelled Howitzer -  Length: 5.25" (from end of vehicle to tip of the main gun)   Width: 2.25”

This Paladin model's upper body is made of metal while the turret is made of plastic. The turret can rotate 360 degrees. The tracks are made of rubber and are fitted, however they do not move. The coloring and markings are accurate and realistic.

The maker of the model, Altaya, really did a good job with the model, the panel lines and details are very clear and crisp. These models have different details engraved such as doors, hatches, panels, lights, ports, antennas, machine guns, ropes, shovels, etc; all of these done with high accuracy and proportion. When they are painted in different color, say for example, shovels and ropes, they are indeed painted accurately.

These models come in really nice packaging. The model itself is attached (via screws) to a plastic base which is made to look as rough terrain. The base measures about 7 inches by 3 and at one side of the base is some info about the model such as the type of tank and the time period it served. Moreover, the whole base can be topped with a transparent acrylic top which encases the whole tank in a rectangle that measures roughly 7 inches by 3 inches by 3 inches high. Lastly, each model comes in a very basic disposable blister pack.

Although these models are inexpensive and just about the size of a (regular) computer mouse, they are certainly not toys, they will not last long if played with or if taken for a spin in the sandbox.

The M109 is an American 155mm self-propelled howitzer, first introduced in the early 1960s. It has been upgraded a number of times, most recently to the M109A7. The M109 family is the most common western indirect-fire support weapon of maneuver brigades of armored and mechanized infantry divisions.