the kit really is fun to build, pay attention to the drive system as i accidentally inverted the chain drive system, hard to see with all the other "busy stuff" going on with the kit but all in all alot of fun. maybe we'll see some wips when you get started.

I was recently looking at a photo of two of them in Korea. One loaded with a T34 being hauled back for evaluation would be kinda different and cool.

Both Real and Trakz are kinda rough IMHO.  requires rework of the roof.  Plus neither includes the canvas covering that almost always was in place with the M25A1 tractor. (made by the Pacific Car, coincidentally)

Didn't know there was a Soft cab conversion set.  More options!!!

Luzon in the Phillipines or Okinawa would be your two best bets for 1945. Both campaigns involved whole US Armies with multiple tank battalions and all their associated support up to Army level.

Is it just me or does the soft cab look kind of strange? Looking a both I prefer the hard top cab.

Yes, it was used in the Pacific.  It was more commonly seen there with the later war (1945 onward) open-top, soft cab M26A1 tractor though.

Trakz (Verlinden) and Real Model both make a soft-cab M26A1 conversions for it.

It will be a couple of months before I get it started, It's big Kit and looks like a lot of fun.  I was thinking of having it with a enemy aircraft on the trailer as salvage.  Thought a Pacific theme would be something a little bit different.  Most people mostly go for a Sherman or a Panzer on the Trailer

Not sure on that, however given the size of the vehicle and the terrain where most Pacific theater action took place I'd assume it wasn't. I'd like to see some in progress shots when you get started though, I've always wanted a DW but never could find one under $100 even at a swap.