The M4A1 Sherman was the second production model of the M4 medium tank series, incorporating an entirely cast upper hull for improved ballistic protection. Armed with a 75mm gun, this variation soldiered on in all theaters of WWII throughout the war and beyond, receiving a wide variety of modifications as it went.

Dragon has again pushed the envelope of what is possible in a 1/72 scale kit with this excellent new release. The molding is crisp in light gray styrene, and the cast texture of the upper hull, tranny cover, and turret is well done without being overstated. The brush and periscope guards in plastic are incredibly tiny and seem quite fragile; it might actually be easier to use the photo-etched parts. Speaking of which, Dragon has included a very comprehensive fret of PE with this kit, including the aforementioned guards, grouser vent screens, handles, taillight bezels, various fittings, and a complete hedgerow cutter (this is a Normandy Sherman, after all). Worthy of note is that this is the first kit in any scale or in any media to include the exhaust screen under the rear hull overhang. Still no comb device for the tranny cover, but we're getting closer a piece at a time! Two sets of Dragon Styrene belt-style tracks are included, one set each of the T48 rubber chevron type and the T49 three-bar steel cleat type. Dragon's new curvy Sherman will give you an excellent 1/72 scale M4A1 right out of the box. Now you've finally got something nice to load those LCM-3s with! And don't forget, you'll need five to take on a Tiger!