Dragon 1/35 Sherman III DV (early)

The British received far more M4 medium tanks, approximately 17,000 (roughly 34% of all M4s produced), than any other Allied nation. The British practice of naming American tanks after American Civil War generals was continued, giving it the name General Sherman after Union General William Tecumseh Sherman, usually shortened to Sherman. The US later adopted the name and the practice of naming tanks after generals. In British usage, Sherman I=M4, Sherman II=M4A1 and so on. Additional letters denoted other features; A for 76 mm M1/M1A2 L/55 gun, B for the 105 mm M4 L/22.5 howitzer, C for the OQF 17 Pounder gun, and Y for the wider tracked HVSS type suspension.  The Sherman III, and subject of this kit, was the M4A2 with 75 mm M3 L/40 gun. Shermans replaced the older Grant and Lee tanks, and were, in turn, replaced by the Comet in some units.

DV means little more than Direct Vision. There was a modification of the glacis plate that allowed for drivers to do away with the previous vision ports that were used on earlier versions.

The Sherman is one of the mainstay tanks of Dragon and several other manufacturers. It is one of the least parts intensive kits, which makes it a great kit for those just getting into highly detailed armor. It includes Dragon's excellent DS tracks, which in this case are block treads. These are easily glued and easily painted. A well done photo-etch set is included that consists of the usual tie downs and such, but also include front and rear fenders. These were often rather beat up and having these done in photo etch makes it easier for the modeler to distress these parts.

Here is a full list of features from the Dragon folks:

- Newly tooled glacis plate w/direct-vision hoods accurately reproduced
- One-piece Early 75mm-gun turret has cast texture
- Slide-molded gun barrel w/hollow muzzle
- Commander's hatch w/periscope can be assembled open/closed
- Bolted connecting plate for gun-shield attachment rendered in fine detail
- Hatch hoods accurately reproduced
- Direct-vision covers can be molded open/closed
- Two types of ammo box provided as an option
- Ammo box mount w/great detail
- Slide-molded antiaircraft MG w/hollow muzzle
- One-piece upper hull w/weld seams
- One-piece lower hull w/bolt details
- Two types of transmission cover made from multiple slide-molded parts
- Photo-etched OVM w/clasp detail
- Detailed headlight and horn guards
- Suspension system realistically reproduced
- Separate engine-deck panel and grilles
- Fully detailed T41 DS tracks

There are five very similar vehicles, all from the Med. Starting on the top row, we have one from the 28th Armored Brigade in Tunisia during 1943 and one from the 44th Royal Tank Regiment in Sicily during 1943. On the bottom row, all are from the County of London Yeomanry in Italy during 1943; First from C squadron, 4th County, next from B Squadron of the same unit and the last one from HQ, 3rd County. All are OD with large green areas and apparently all had the large air identification marks on the aft hull and top of the turret. 

Another great Sherman variant for you to model. It seems like every release has an improvement of some sort and I often wonder how much is interchangeable with the first Sherman Dragon produced way back when. I would bet not much.

Wikipedia for the historical background

March 2013 

Thanks towww.dragonmodelsusa.com for the preview kit. Get this one at your favorite retailer.

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