Dated: October 8, 2004.
"This is a tank from the NW European theater in later part of 1944. The U.S. Army finally had a systematic way to camouflage their tanks and it is done by the engineers. This is the only time that I see U.S. tanks with three color camouflage in NW Europe. The mesh was called Sommerfield matting. It was installed for adding tree branches. As you can see, this model had my VIP (or VIT!) treatment. Here is a breakdown of my addition/modification:" By Mr. Albert Chen of USA.
Turret
1. mantlet re-shape and drill holes
2. gun barrel sleeve
3. lift rings x5
4. machine gun storage with angle iron
5. spot light - Fujimi
6. machine gun re-shape, post scrape off and add ammo box
7. antenna
8. vision port reduction
9. pistal port - putty
10. sommerfield matting
Top hall
1. machine gun
2. gun travel lock (italeri)
3. lights and horn (italeri)
4. light rings x4
5. on board tools
6 sand shield attachment strip
7. sommerfield matting
8. spare track blocks (italeri)
9. stowage (spare wheel, jerry can, etc)
Lower hall
1. rear axle
2. toll hook
3. track block detail "v"
4. exhaust grill
5. air cleaner
Many thanks to Mr Chen.
All rights reserved. Any unauthorized or commerical use of content or images are violations of applicable laws and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Any trademark usage or proprietary images on this page are only for the purposes of review or such, and is considered fair dealing and permissible under the Copyright, Design and Patents Act, 1988 (UK). Copyright 2004.