New in the box 1:32 scale plastic diorama / playset includes the M115 8" howitzer finished in olive drab with a name painted on the barrel (varies - PERSUADERS, SPECIAL DELIVERY, LONG SHOT, etc.), the proper M1 carriage, three figures and accessories. The howitzer can be set up in the firing position or in the travel position. The tube elevates and swivels, the trails open for deployment and close for travel, and even has a breech that opens! Minor glueless assembly required. Fully illustrated instructions included. There are lots of small parts, so recommended for ages 5+. Thes sets seem to be prone to having one or two of the small pieces escape from their mountings or restraints during shipping; especially one of the hydropneumatic recoil spring tubes that mount on either side of the gun barrel. It can be a bit disconcerting to hear a part rattling around in the packaging, but no worries - these snap right into place.

The M1 8" howitzers were a crucial fire support weapon used by the U.S. Army during WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam War. Known affectionately as 'Long Toms' they delivered massive 200-lb missiles of destruction on the enemy.