1/72 USMC M4A2
Dated: July 04, 2009
Hi there,
Now that the Armourfast M4A2 is out, the first batch (aside test sprew in French colours shown below for comparison) I have done is for the USMC (along with one M4A3 US army).
USMC M4A2s
These include:
a) USMC M4A2 early (standard armoufast kit),
b) USMC M4A2 (W) 75 late hull - done by using the armourfast M4A3 (W) 75 kit and swapping over the upper rear hull with the M4A2
c) US army M4A3 early - done by using the armourfast M4A2 kit and swapping over the upper rear hull with the M4A3 (W) 75 kit
d) USMC M4A2 (W) 76 - standard armourfast M4A3 (76) W kit and changing the rear engine deck with one from the spares box (can also be done by swapping the rear upper hulls over with the standard armourfast M4A2).
The USMC adopted the M4A2 as its main type of Sherman because it was diesel powered. Most USN warships during WWII were oil fired and steam turbines, however an alternative source on slower logistics ships and landing craft was diesel power. To avoid carrying around petrol (which would need special and seperate stowage tanks) and to try and standardise some feul types, the diesel powered M4A2 was chosen (all other shermans being petrol driven).
Certainly both 75mm types of M4A2 were used during the pacific campaign. I have not found eveidence of the use of the 76mm type during WWII (postwar certainly yes) so this one is a bit of artistic license.
The M4A3 early is in US army colours and makes yes of the spare upper hull pieces left over from conversion for the M4A2 (75) W.
Regards
John
France
