The suspension of the type HVSS (Horizontal Volute Springs Suspension) comprised 3 pairs of bogies provided each one with two double-road wheels, a pair of back idlers, a pair of front sprocket-wheels and five pairs of return rollers. The tracks assembled with suspension HVSS was broader than those assembled on suspension VVSS (Vertical) and reached the 580 mm broad. HVSS - Horizontal Volute Springs Suspension This provision ensured the tank a better stability and a pressure on the ground acceptable . The horizontal suspension resisted better to the recoil of the gun as the vertical suspension.Types of tracks assembled on M40:T66 type: central guide, single pin, steel, rubberWidth: 580 mm - Pitch: 150 mm - Links: 2x79 - Track ground contact: 3.84 mT80 type: central guide, double pin, steel, rubberWidth: 580 mm - Pitch: 150 mm - Links: 2x79 - Track ground contact: 3.84 mT84 type: central guide, double pin, rubberWidth: 580 mm - Pitch: 150 mm - Links: 2x79 - Track ground contact: 3.84 m The shielding of M40, was very light and did not exceed the 25 mm. Only the two drivers were entirely protected in the cockpit whereas other crewmen were very exposed in the open (top and back) combat compartment. Since M40 practically operated like a traditional piece of artillery, i.e. since the rear lines, at long distance, this defect (desired to spare the suspension and the mobility of the tank) had only little importance. A total of 418 M40s were manufactured in 1945 by Pressed Steel Car Co which 24 were converted later into M43. M40 replaced little by little M12s and their old guns of 155 mm dating from the 1st world war.Specs:155 mm Gun Motor Carriage M40TypeSelf-propelled artilleryPlace of originUnited StatesSpecificationsWeight36.3 metric tonsLength9.1 mWidth3.15 mHeight2.7 mCrew8 (Commander, driver, 6 gun crew)Armor12 mmMainarmament155 mm M2 gun20 roundsEngineWright (Continental) R975 EC2340 hp (253 kW)Power/weight9.36 hp/tSuspensionHVSS (Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension)Operationalrange170 kmSpeed38 km/h on road23 km/h off roadThe kit: As I said, I built this girl in 2006. The only option was the AFV Club #35031 M40 Big Shot. Inside a sturdy cardboard box, the olive styrene pieces come packaged in thermo-sealed plastic bags, plus a zip-lock wrapped sachet for the trowel winch mechanism and an excellent photo-etched plate.The lower hull is in one piece, thin and without defects.It is protected from damage by a white cardboard boxwith the vehicle profileTransparencies that allow the assembly of the visors of the turrets, periscopes and taillights.Strangely, headlamps do not have transparency or even lenses of this material (???)Cupolas in dry-runThe tracks are T66, in very soft vinyl, with an excellent detailing.Its glue can be made with styrene glue or cyanoacrylate.The kit also comes with an excellent aluminum gun.The metal gun in detail....A good booklet And a very good sheet of decals, with 3 versions of M40: One Zebra Mission and 2 from Korea War.Decal sheet: very good!!! I started the assembly by the gun, following the instructions. Glue the aluminum tube to the plastic base with cyanoacrylate. Be careful of the alignment of this part. The instructions point to gluing all