Description
550225
- Scale 1:35
M4A1 SHERMAN
In 1941, after the German
attack on Russia, it became clear to the UNITED STATES that possibility of an
American involvement in the war was becoming more and more inevitable. For this
reason, President Roosevelt ordered substantial production increases of the
medium tank M4. The tank was not a completely new model, since it derived from
the previous model M3 “Grant”. The Sherman had some major improvements on the
superstructure and on the armament as well as on the welded or cast hull. The
“General Sherman”, under which name the new tank was soon to be known, was
equipped with a 75 mm gun, which was, however, insufficient against the German
Tanks. This necessitated a series of changes, including a completely new turret
as well as a 76 mm gun, which would be more efficient than the previous one.
The new prototype was given the designation M4 A1. In January 1944, the new
type was introduced. Until the end of the war, about 3400 pieces were produced.
Notwithstanding the upgrades, there were still many areas that could use improvement,
one of them being the lack of protection. Frequently the crew was forced to
protect the tank sides and the front with sandbags. In some instances the most
exposed track sections were covered and sometimes even cement or steel blocks
were attached. Thanks to its numerical superiority, the tank was able to match
the German tanks, using its great maneouverability and its excellent 76 mm gun.
M4 A1 took part in the invasion of Normandy and in all European theatres.
Type: Tanks
Period: Second World War
Skill: 3
Model Dim.: 16.5 cm
Box Dim.: 345 x 242 x 60 mm
Decals for 3 versions
Details
Scale: |
1:35 |
Country: |
United States |
Store Location: |
ZFremont |