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.

Dragon Armor has released a 1:72 scale model of one such M4A2(76)W in Red Army service. The model is finished in a plain olive drab finish, and bears tactical markings of the 2nd Tank Army whilst fighting in Berlin in 1945. This fully finished model is brimming with fine detail, and the engine deck and rear hull are correctly modeled to portray the unique appearance of this diesel-powered variant. This tank with 76mm gun has also received a judicious amount of weathering to bring it to life. Collectors who already have T-34 tanks in their 1:72 scale armies will relish the prospect of being able to add a Sherman M4A2 as well. The good news is that collectors don't have to lend or lease this model, for they can buy their very own from Dragon Armor! Sold Out!

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

Release Date: March 2008

Historical Account: "The East is Red" - The most important tank produced by the USA during WWII was the M4 Sherman, and it served in many other Allied armies too. One country that employed it was Russia, where tanks were supplied under the Lend Lease program. At a time when the Red Army was facing severe shortages of tanks (due to combat losses and relocation of industrial production facilities), Allied tanks like the M4 helped plug gaps. Indeed, in 1941-42, Lend Lease tanks accounted for some 15% of Russia's tank force. The Red Army operated the M4A2, a diesel-engine version of this famous tank. Initial deliveries were armed with the 75mm gun, while later vehicles featured a 76mm gun.