The inspiration to build this kit was derived
from a chapter from the Osprey book on modeling the M4 Sherman. Three different
build-ups of USMC M4’s were described. What was particularly eye-catching to me
was that all three tanks sported multi-colored camouflage patterns, as opposed to
the usual overall olive drab. It would also be a good way to show off some of
the unique techniques used by the Marines to up-armor their tanks.
The Italeri kit is a fine product overall. While some
details are a bit soft, there really isn’t anything major to complain about and when
assembled, it looks like a Sherman. Starting with the suspension, I added extra bolt head
heads to each bogie unit. Holes were drilled in the lower portion of the upper hull sides to
replicate the locating holes for the mounting of sand shields. The actual
shields were rarely used in combat, especially in U.S. units, but the locator
holes are plainly visible in period photos. The tracks came straight from the kit.
Moving to the upper hull, Eduard photo-etched screens were used on the front of each of
the two deep-water wading trunks. Additional photo-etched cages were glued to
the tops of the two drivers’ hatches. The purpose of these cages was twofold.
First, they acted as a sort of spaced armor against grenade or mortar attack.
Also, they helped ward off the efforts of Japanese sapper teams to pry open the
hatches. In the same vein, jagged metal was often mounted to the top of the
wooden side appliqué armor. I made mine from cutting serrated edges into strips
of photo etched fret and super gluing them in place.
The turret was an extra Dragon item from my spares box. Nothing against the kit turret at
all, I just preferred the cast surface detail on the Dragon piece. A Jordi
Rubio turned aluminum gun barrel was used, replacing the kit’s plastic tube. The penny nails on the
turret hatches were made from multiple, and I do mean MULTIPLE, pieces of stretched plastic sprue
cut to an appropriate length. The penny nails were another Marine technique for combating enemy sapper teams.
All of the remaining construction was done according to the kit instructions.
Painting was done with a mix of Tamiya and Testors Model
Master acrylics. First, the entire tank was sprayed with Tamiya Olive Drab overall.
Next, the camouflage pattern was added using Tamiya Red Brown and Testors Armor Sand.
The tracks were painted in a rough mixture of Tamiya Flat Black and Tamiya Flat Brown.
Weathering was done with a wash of burnt umber oil paint and thinner. A pin
wash was then used to bring out finer details, such as bolt heads and tool
clasps. Dirt and dust were then added using MMP weathering powders.
The model represents an M4A3 of the Marine 5th Tank Battalion attached to the
5th Marine Division on Iwo Jima in 1945.
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