The M4 Sherman medium tank was regarded by many as the workhorse of the US Army during World War II. In fact, virtually all of the Allied armies employed the Sherman in their armed forces, including the British, who developed an upgunned variant called the "Firefly". Eleven different US plants manufactured six basic models of the Sherman, and by June 1944 over 49,234 battle-ready vehicles had been produced. While it was no match for the German Panther or Tiger tanks, the Sherman soldiered on, using its weight in numbers to wrest control of Europe from the Wehrmacht.

Early Shermans mounted a 75mm medium-velocity general-purpose gun. Later M4A1, M4A2, and M4A3 models received the larger T23 turret with a high-velocity 76mm gun M1, which traded reduced HE and smoke performance for improved anti-tank performance. The British offered the QF 17 pounder (76.2 mm) anti-tank gun with its significant armour penetration but a significant initial (later rectified) HE shortcoming to the Americans but the US Ordnance Department was working on a 90mm tank gun and declined. Later M4 and M4A3 were factory-produced with a 105mm howitzer and a new distinctive mantlet in the original turret. The first standard-production 76mm-gun Sherman was an M4A1 accepted in January 1944 and the first standard-production 105mm-howitzer Sherman was an M4 accepted in February 1944.

This model is configured as a vehicle fighting in the strategic breakout from Normandy in 1944. The tank has a camouflage scheme of earth brown sprayed over the standard olive drab, and has distinctive tactical markings. The yellow 'D-32' refers to the second vehicle from D Company's 3rd Platoon. It also has the name 'Derby' and a cartoon picture on the hull sides. This makes for a colorful paint scheme over the highly detailed and accurate form of the M4A1. All features are carefully replicated, from the tracks to the turret top. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 3-1/4-inches
Width: 1-1/2-inches

Release Date: October 2006

Historical Account: "Hell on Wheels" - Operation Cobra was the codename for the World War II operation planned by United States Army General Omar Bradley to break out from the Normandy area after the previous month's D-Day landings. Cobra was a great success that transformed the high-intensity Infantry combat of Normandy into the highly-mechanized race across France. It led directly to the creation of the Falaise pocket and the loss of the German position in northwestern France.