The Shermans at El Alamein were a mixed batch of M4A1 (cast hull with radial gasoline engine) and M4A2 (welded hull with twin GM diesel engines). The M4A1 was much more common.
Now the BAD news - none of the Honour Bound Shermans are right for that time and place! The M4A1 with 76mm gun was not introduced to combat until late July, 1944. The last M4A1 (the nice premium edition one) represent a rebuilt vehicle with late features. All of the M4A1s at El Alamein were very early production vehicles that had the following features; early 3-piece transmission cover, early gun mount with narrow shield, direct vision slots for the driver, early pattern ("M3-type") suspension bogies, rubber block track.
The closest model in 1:30 scale to an early M4A1 is the King and Country "classic Sherman" DD093 has 90% of the correct features - for some reason Andy went with the later cast transmission cover and chevron tracks.
Other details, I don't believe that DD093 has the direct vision slots and the co-axial MG has the small shield that was added around 1943. The K&C vehicle COULD be modified (a lot of grinding to change that transmission cover!) or one could just use it "as is" until a correct Eighth Army Sherman comes out.
Sorry to rain on the parade - the HB M4A1s are VERY nice to use for the European campaign (and possible late Italy) but they represent later editions of the Sherman. The tanks in the desert were fairly new (the Sherman had only started production about six months before the combat at Alamein).
Please let me know if I can help with anything else. I am the resident "Shermanoholic".
Gary B
