DRAGON

Series – Armor

DRR 60307 – FIREFLY Mk. V (M4A4) ‘Tulip’

w/3” (60 lbs) RP-3 rockets

1^st Armored Battalion Coldstream Guards

Germany 1945

Scale – 1/72

Released – September 2007.

Condition – Stock as issued

Sale Price - $17.50  You save $6.00 / 26%

Additional discounts are available-

-          regular customers (final price $14.95-16.10)

-           any purchase with other military models (final price $16.10-17.00)

please inquire.

This model displays great!

 “Features:
- Open window display packaging
- Highly popular and collectible item
- True to 1/72 scale
- Fully accurate mold
- Fully assembled
- Historically accurate markings and insignia
- Includes protective display case

About this title: The Sherman M4A4 was produced by Detroit Arsenal and all vehicles had a three-piece bolted nose. It was powered by a Chrysler WC Multibank engine, which required the lengthening of the rear hull to accommodate it. Many M4A4 Shermans were delivered to the British, where it was referred to as the Sherman Mk.V. Dragon Armor proudly offers a Sherman Mk.V of the famous Coldstream Guards of the British Army. This is no ordinary Mk.V, for it possesses some fascinating appendages on the turret!

The model is armed with twin launchers for 60lb aircraft rockets. This type of Sherman V was modified in the field by the Coldstream Guards Armoured Division in late 1944. The rockets were taken from Typhoon fighters, and rocket-equipped Shermans were used in combat during the Rhine crossings. They achieved success against targets like roadblocks and enemy personnel sheltering in buildings and woods, plus they also gave a huge morale boost to British troops! The rocket and launcher details on this new Dragon Armor model are subtle and accurate, as are all the details of this 1/72 scale Sherman Mk.V model of a vehicle of the 1st Armoured Battalion of this famous division fighting in Germany in 1945. The paint finish on this replica is exemplary, as it accurately captures the British bronze green color used at this period of the war”.
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 received the biggest number of Shermans supplied under the Lend-Lease Act.  Approximately 17,000 Shermans of all models fought under the British flag.  British who had practice to name tanks supplied by US after American Civil War generals, called the new American tank M4 after Union General William Tecumseh Sherman.  Though it was simply called Sherman.  The name was latter adapted in US.

British had their own nomenclature.  Sherman V stands for M4A4 with 75 mm M3 L/40 gun.  This particular model was replaced in US production in 1943.  According to some sources this model was mostly supplied to Allies Armies.

This model represents one of the armament conversions.  It is known as Sherman Tulip and it was a field conversion of some tanks of 1^st Coldstream Guards, which is one of the famous British unit that was established in 1650.  It is the oldest regiment in the British Regular Army.  Currently it consists of 1^st Battalion and No 7 Company and it’s the most prominent role is the performance of ceremonial duties in London and Windsor as part of the Household Division.  The regiment gave up their tanks at the end of the WW II. 

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 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’)