Academy 1/35 M-7 Priest

🧩 Kit Overview

Academy 1/35 M7 Priest (13210)

The Academy 1/35 M7 Priest (kit 13210) is a solid, value-focused kit of the iconic U.S. WWII self-propelled howitzer. It’s based on Academy’s M3 Lee chassis tooling and offers a good mix of detail and buildability.

• Scale: 1/35

• Skill Level: Intermediate

• Parts: ~300+ parts with interior detail

• Release: New tool (2007)

🔧 Key Features

• 105mm howitzer with interior gun mount detail

• Open fighting compartment (great for detailing and figures)

• Detailed suspension and running gear based on M3 Lee chassis

• Includes:

  • Ammo storage detail

  • Machine guns and fuel cans

• Flexible one-piece tracks for easier assembly

👉 The open-top design is the big selling point—lots of room for figures, stowage, and storytelling.

🛠️ Build Experience

• Generally clean molding with minimal flash 

• Straightforward assembly compared to Dragon kits

• Some known points:

  • Earlier versions had suspension height concerns (largely improved)

  • Interior detail is good, but not “full interior” level

👉 This is a nice middle ground:

• Easier than high-end kits

• More interesting than a basic closed-hull vehicle

🎯 Historical Appeal

The M7 Priest was one of the most widely used Allied self-propelled guns:

• Built on the M3 Lee chassis

• Armed with a 105mm howitzer for infantry support 

• Over 4,000 units produced during WWII

• Served in:

  • North Africa

  • Italy

  • Northwest Europe

  • Korean War

The nickname “Priest” came from the machine gun mount resembling a pulpit.

👉 This makes it a great subject for:

• North Africa dioramas

• Italian campaign builds

• U.S. or British service vehicles