D.M.L. - Dragon

Series – Armor

DRR60260 – FIREFLY Vc (SHERMAN V w/British High Velocity gun)

Captured by Germans, repainted in 3 colors camouflage.

Scale – 1/72

Released – January 2007

Condition – Stock as issued

Discounts are available for regular customers and with purchasing along with other military models please inquire.

Unlike first release Dragon Firefly Vc this model has additional stowage box on the rear of the turret.

“Main Features:
- Open window display packaging
- Highly popular and collectible item
- True to 1/72 scale
- Fully accurate mold
- Fully assembled

- Unique camouflage scheme w/ weathering  
- Includes protective display case

About this title:
This title represents a Sherman Firefly VC seen in German service in 1944. As the war wore on and Germany’s industrial might could no longer keep pace in terms of tank production, captured Russian and Allied tanks were sometimes put into service as a matter of desperation or expediency. It carries some special markings – white crosses on the turret, plus a series of “G’ and “W” markings – with the original British markings all still in evidence. These new markings helped to identify the captured tank as friendly. ". Source www.dragonmodelsusa.com

ABOUT THE Sherman Tank:

In August 1940 on the next day after M3 was rush into production, design work started on a project called T6 Medium tank, the design criteria was that it will have 75mm gun in a turret rotated 360 degree and it would reuse the maximum of components from M3.  In September 1941 the T6 was standardize under the official title M4 Medium tank, which became widely known simply as Sherman with all its numerous modifications.  It was armed with 75mm gun mounted in a one piece rounded casting, 3” thick in the front and power operated and gyrostabilizer controlling the gun in elevation.  Lover hull was welded while upper hull was available in different variants as welded (M4) and a cast (M4A1) both were approximately 2” /50.8 mm thick.  In 1943 the front hull and superstructure were redesigned.  The slope of the front armor plate was reduced increasing the size of the battle compartment and eliminating needs to built extensions for driver and radio operator, which were welded the front armor.   Changes were designed in order to simplify production and thus increase production outcome.

Seven factories manufactured a total of 49,230 tanks.  No other tank of WW II was produced in such quantity.  During the production there were numerous modifications including a main gun upgrades from T6 to T7 standardized under 75mm M2 gun in May 1941 and in June 1941 to 75mm M3 gun that had higher velocity.  In August 1942 more powerful 76mm gun (originally planed for use for abandoned project of M6 heavy tank) was proposed but unfortunately the project was ceased in November and only in July 1944 76mm gun Sherman went into production with about 2,000 tanks were produced.  In early 1941 two Sherman tanks with 105mm howitzer were tested and some 4,680 M4E5 armed with M52 105mm howitzer, built on M4 and M4A3 hulls were manufactured.

Maneuverable, reliable, simple in maintenance and operation it was advertised to American military personal as a best tank in a world.  But allies tankers learn about it shortcomings, often at cost of their comrades lives, very fast upon their first encounters with Germans, especially in Normandy.  Inadequate armour and especially armament, easy fire ignition after a heat in a motor compartment made this an easy target for Germans.  Panther tank could knock out a Sherman from a distance over 1,800 and Tiger much farther, while Sherman in general can do no damage to it even at 200-400 yards and to Tiger practically at any distance. 

Though it was no match to German tanks the Sherman was a good infantry support tank.  While most Germans units have no chance to get a tank support it was widely available for Allies infantry man, especially on the Western Front, allowing them for faster advance with much less casualties.  Even with its shortcomings the Sherman tank was a good weapon and made irreplaceable contribution towards achieving the victory in the WW II.

Under the Lend-Lease program the Sherman was supplied practically to all allies armies and saw battle in all parts of the world. 

British get a great success with rearming some Sherman with their long barrel high velocity gun. 

Such tanks were known as Firefly.  Though not very accurate this 17pdr. gun was able to knock out Panther and Tiger tanks at a great distance (a Tiger tank armor could be penetrated at 1,500’).  This model represents Firefly Vc that was built on the base of Sherman V that was replaced in US production in 1943.   Approximately 7,500 of M4A4 (Sherman V) were built and with very few exceptions supplied to Allies under the Lendlease program.  This variant was the most numerous model of Sherman that landed at Normandy under British and Canadian flags (also the Free French and Polish units).  This Sherman version had straightened for 6” hull in order to accommodate its power plant the Chrysler WC multi-bank 370 hp that was 5 Chrysler automobile engines joined to a common crankshaft and proved to be very reliable one.   Tanks were converted by British ordnance factories, with over 2,000 produced.  Designed as an enemy tank killer in mind the front machine gun was removed in order to provide more space for 17pdr ammunition.  Stowage box was welded to the rear of the turret.  Under the British designation “c” added to denote a tank armed with 17 pdr. gun.  The Firefly was issued to units with 1 Firefly per troop, but with more become available Firefly could be found up to two per troop.  Some Firefly tanks were supplied to the British units equipped with Cromwell.   Firefly was a good long distance tank killer and probably the best tank killer in Allies arsenal on the Western Front.

Captured enemy vehicles in German service.