M53 and M55 Self-propelled artillery (US et al.)

The M53 was based on components of the M46 and M47 Patton tanks as part of a broader range of self-propelled artillery. The engine and transmission were at the front, and the large turret was at the rear. The entire crew was housed in the turret, with the driver stationed at the front left of the turret. It included a long-range 155mm gun with 30 degrees of traverse, stabilised by a large stabilization spade dominates the rear of the vehicle. It normally is retracted to an almost vertical position, and is so shown in the models.

The M55 is a complementary American fully enclosed and armored self-propelled howitzer based on the M53 155 mm self-propelled gun. It has a 203.2 mm (eight-inch) howitzer which can traverse 30° left or right, carrying 10 rounds of ammunition when fully combat loaded. The gun has a maximum range of 10.51 miles (16.92 kilometres) with a rate of fire of one round every two minutes. The Army converted all of its M53s to M55s starting in 1956, but the Marine Corps continued to use the M53. the only other user of the M55 was the Belgian army.

The design is made available in formats suitable for resin and fdm printers. The former is an integrated design with separate hulls and turrets, with the fdm version having separate track assemblies. The tracks are accurate reproductions of the originals and may require some care in printing. A 50 cal MG can be added on the turret if required.

The product is offered for personal, non-commercial use. Derivative designs for personal use may be generated, but neither the original nor derivatives may be shared with others. Attribution of the design is requested should printed models be exhibited or otherwise shared. Models printed from this design or derivatives may not be sold commercially.