Listing is for the actual model pictured.
Kit: Tamiya 35251(2002)
Dimensions: 7" x 3" x 5.5"
About the M4A3 Sherman
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Excelling in both reliability and sheer production capability, the M4 Sherman series of tanks became the staple fighting-vehicles of the WWII Allies. The first version to be produced, the cast-hull M4A1, was succeeded by the welded-hull M4, the diesel engine M4A2, and finally the representative tank of the series, the M4A3. The early production M4A3 housed a 500hp Ford GAA-3 V8 liquid-cooled gasoline engine and vertical volute spring type suspension (WVSS). February 1944 saw the later version of the tank which was equipped with a 63.5mm thick-armored sheet at 47 degrees on the front of the hull. Three types of main armaments were used on the M4A3: On the initial production type, the 75mm main gun and on the subsequent types, the 76mm main gun for heightened penetration ability. Finally, to provide heavy fire support for assaults on enemy outposts, the powerful 105mm howitzer was later adopted. The 105mm howitzer was carried in a M52 combination mount and a vision cupola was fitted for the commander with a small hatch for the loader. It could fire M1 shells at angles from -10 to +35 degrees at a max. range of 11,500m. About 500 of the M4A3 (105mm) were produced at the Chrysler factory in Detroit from May to September 1944. From September 1944 horizontal volute spring suspension was introduced on the M4A3 (105mm) together with the wider center-guide T66 tracks. The M4A3 (105mm) were deployed to the European Theatre from July 1944, and played an indispensable role in the destruction of enemy positions by the U.S. infantry fighting on the front lines.
About the 105mm howitzer
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The 105mm howitzer of the M4A3 Sherman could fire a variety of am- munition including Type M1 HE (High Explosive) shells, Type M67 HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) shells, and Type M60 and Type M84 Smoke rounds. Although the 105mm howitzer-equipped M4A3 Sherman was originally developed for close-in fire support, in some circumstances it used the Type M67 HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) shells to knock out enemy tanks, providing direct support for attack- ing infantry divisions. The Type M67 HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) shells were shot at 381 m/s at a range of 7,855m, which allowed for the penetration of a 102mm thick rolled-steel plate. The turret rotation of this tank was conducted by hand, which was a problem for speedy sighting during close-in fire support operations. However, when com- pared with other support vehicles of the U.S. Army during WWII, such as the open-top M8 Light Armored Car "Greyhound", the 105mm howitzer equipped M4A3 Sherman tank offered more capability for fighting at the front line.