M4A2 Sherman Part I

Here is an useful title that will be available soon from Squadron Mail Order. In their 11th installment of the Armor PhotoGallery series, Model Centrum Progres has published an interesting reference for Shermanholics - the M4A2 Sherman - Part 1. The author has ventured to military museums around the world to photograph surviving examples of the diesel-powered version of the Sherman family.

Part 1 is focused on the 75mm main gun version of the 'Sherman III' family, with photos used from 'Holy Roller' on display in Victory Park, London Park, Ontario, Canada; 'Chemin des Dames' on display at Grussenheim, France; and an example at Pansarmusuem in Axvall, Sweden. The first 38 pages go in and around the Sherman III to illustrate different details, and even differences in details between each of the three examples.

The next seven pages are line drawings illustrating the differences that just the M4A2 experienced over its production life. Naturally the drawings are provided in 1/35 scale so you can drop your parts on the diagrams and decide on what mods or improvements you might make to your stock kit. The remaining pages are an excellent compilation of black and white photos of the Sherman III in action. There are numerous possibilities in these photos for diorama or vignette settings for your Sherman project and a few nice figures.

In all, this title has 201 color photographs, 74 b&w photos and seven pages of scale drawings, all focused on the 75mm Sherman III M4A2.

If you're looking for one reference to work build a detailed model from Academy's M4A2 release, or employing some of the great aftermarket details for the kit such as those from Trakz (VLS), then your wait is over. This title is highly recommended for Shermanholics everywhere.

Note: This title will be available soon from Squadron/MMD. You'll find the various titles from Model Centrum Progres of Poland listed on Squadron's site as Progressive Publishing.

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!