binder001
Command Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2005
- Messages
- 2,729
Well guys, it came in yesterday's mail! Here's a first look and quick opinions.
Overall, a NICE model. The shape and finish are fine. The model looks just like what it claims to be. The tank represents an M4 that was fitted with ductwork to allow it to ford in water up to its turret. These tanks are not to be confused with the Duplex-Drive tanks that could float and "swim", the "wading" kits were added to allow a tank to exit a landing craft and move through moderately deep water on its way to the beach. The tanks so equipped were tanks in the assault waves that landed directly or immediate follow on units that came ashore before the beach facilities and Mulberry harbors were ready. Most units would land then proceed to an assembly area where most of the water proofing would be removed. The duct work abd their bases were usually shed at that time but there are photos of some tanks fighting with the rear trunking still in place (that would have been annoying for maintaining your tank!). As photographed the real tank had canvas waterproofing around the bow gun and the main gun mantlet, but this would have prevented the cannon from elevating on the model.
This tank model is marked from a famous photo of "Hurricane" a tank of the 2nd Armored Division. A couple minor quibbles with the markings; the turret "H2" was often in yellow, although the photo of "Hurricane" is B&W so that cannot be verified on this tank. The other detail is that the unit codes on the from read 2^86^ on the tank's right (with ^ meaning the Armored Force triangle) - however there wasn't an 86^ in the 2nd Armored! The two armored regiments in the 2nd were the 66th and 67th Armor. The 2nd and 3rd Armored Divisions were the only ETO tank units to fight under the old "heavy" organization of two armored regiments and one armored infantry regiment.
Anyway, this is a fine model and I recommend it. The wading stacks give it a difference from other models of Sherman that have been offered in 1/30th. I am looking forward to the dozer tank and any other upcoming Shermans from Figarti. Now I have to send off for one of those "beach" bases from Build-a-Rama to put it on.
Gary B.
Overall, a NICE model. The shape and finish are fine. The model looks just like what it claims to be. The tank represents an M4 that was fitted with ductwork to allow it to ford in water up to its turret. These tanks are not to be confused with the Duplex-Drive tanks that could float and "swim", the "wading" kits were added to allow a tank to exit a landing craft and move through moderately deep water on its way to the beach. The tanks so equipped were tanks in the assault waves that landed directly or immediate follow on units that came ashore before the beach facilities and Mulberry harbors were ready. Most units would land then proceed to an assembly area where most of the water proofing would be removed. The duct work abd their bases were usually shed at that time but there are photos of some tanks fighting with the rear trunking still in place (that would have been annoying for maintaining your tank!). As photographed the real tank had canvas waterproofing around the bow gun and the main gun mantlet, but this would have prevented the cannon from elevating on the model.
This tank model is marked from a famous photo of "Hurricane" a tank of the 2nd Armored Division. A couple minor quibbles with the markings; the turret "H2" was often in yellow, although the photo of "Hurricane" is B&W so that cannot be verified on this tank. The other detail is that the unit codes on the from read 2^86^ on the tank's right (with ^ meaning the Armored Force triangle) - however there wasn't an 86^ in the 2nd Armored! The two armored regiments in the 2nd were the 66th and 67th Armor. The 2nd and 3rd Armored Divisions were the only ETO tank units to fight under the old "heavy" organization of two armored regiments and one armored infantry regiment.
Anyway, this is a fine model and I recommend it. The wading stacks give it a difference from other models of Sherman that have been offered in 1/30th. I am looking forward to the dozer tank and any other upcoming Shermans from Figarti. Now I have to send off for one of those "beach" bases from Build-a-Rama to put it on.
Gary B.
