THE major
American tank of WWII and really into Korea was the M4 Sherman. Initially based
on the flawed M3 Grant/Lee, the Sherman was a reliable medium tank that
performed its job well. It was built in fairly large numbers and shipped off to
the British for the first use at the battle of El Alamain in 1942, where it was
much liked by the Commonwealth forces for its speed, reasonable punch and decent
armor protection. As it was not a heavy tank, it was rather easily penetrated by
the larger 88mm and up German anti-tank guns as the guns of the later Tiger and
Panther tanks. However, the US had a decent supply line and the ability to
repair damaged tanks, something that was not up to the same level with the
Germans, who often abandon tanks that needed little more than some spare parts
to reair.
The Sherman was built in a bewildering number of variations
and variants as the type was continually upgraded on the production line. This
means there is no concrete delineation between the types, something that drives
some armor modelers nuts. Thankfully, the authors have really done a superlative
job of researching the type and thanks to this book, even the Sherman tyro can
find information to help with his particular build.
The book is laid out in historical sequence and the reader is
provided with not only a plethora of excellent period photos (some in full
color), but also the specifics as to the different versions in terms of
equipment and more importantly, which engine was installed. I read nothing about
the switch to diesel being caused by the preponderance of gasoline powered tanks
to more easily blow up when hit. I'm relegating that 'fact' to the 'Legend'
file.
Like other books in this series, there are superb line
drawings and color profiles scattered throughout its 80 pages. Yes, this one is
larger than the norm, but there is a lot of material in here. I know that I
thoroughly enjoyed reading it and learned quite a bit. This is a book that
you'll be pulling from the shelves time and time again. Most highly recommended.
May 2011
Thanks to Squadron Products for the review book. Get yours at
your local shop today.
If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact
me or see other details in the Note to
Contributors.