6083 - M4A1(76mm)W Operation Cobra

"... this is a fine kit and an absolute improvement..."

DR6083: M4A1 (76mm)W: Operation Cobra

1/35 injection plastic kit with multimedia accessories and decals

After the shock of combat against the heavier German tanks in Normandy, the up-gunned M4A1 (76mm) Sherman was rapidly shipped to France. These tanks were used by the US Army during Operation Cobra, the offensive which saw the Allied armies breakout of their initial lodgment in Normandy (D-Day) and advance across France. The 76mm gun offered improved anti-tank capability over the earlier 75mm gun, which was important when fighting the German Panther. The M4A1 (76mm)W was used by British, French, Polish and South African units and was known by the Commonwealth as the Sherman IIA. Some tanks were also used after the war and in many cases quite visibly modified.

This model of a Second World Wwar M4A1 (76mm)W is Dragon’s latest addition to its growing range of Shermans, and represents the first 76mm version of the Sherman to see combat. The W is for ‘wet’ referring to how the ammunition was stored protected by a solution of water and ethylene glycol. As expected the kit contains a combination of new tooling and parts from recent and earlier Dragon Sherman kits, as well as several metal parts including an early production barrel and photo etch. The new parts include the decals, hull hatches, large one-piece upper hull, air-cleaners, exhaust deflector, rear hull plate and turret. Overall the quality of the molding is good with crisp casting and no flash.

Layout of Parts
The assembled kit has over 900 parts, of which around half are for the tracks, and plenty of spare parts from other Sherman versions are included in the bulging box. The gatefold instructions have 11 steps of line drawings that are well laid out.

The kit has an early model turret, which was based on that from the T23 medium tank pilot. The main turret shell is a large piece, which has visible surface casting texture. This turret has been revamped from that in earlier kits including altered angles on the front and rear and a raised lip around the loader’s split hatch. Separate crisply molded parts are provided for the cupola, pistol ports, aerial mount, crew hatches that can be positioned open or closed, mantlet, periscopes, lifting points, ventilator covers, turret base etc. The 0.5 inch Browning machinegun is nicely defined with a hollowed our muzzle and a three-part ammo box. The mantlet has the casting numbers on it and is crisply defined.

The turned metal barrel has a drilled out muzzle and is the early M1 design, which did not have a muzzle break or threading. This is the type of barrel seen in photos from Operation Cobra. An alternative plastic M1A2 barrel with muzzle break is included and would be useful for someone wishing to model an M4A1 (76mm) as issued to the US troops in the spring of 1945.

The main upper hull is one large piece that features the surface casting texture. This new part has the distinctive curved front corners of the M4A1 that distinguished it from the M4A3 with its flat front plate. Separate parts are provided for the hatches on the engine deck (choice of two patterns), spare tracks, lights, front fenders, barrel lock, lower front glacis, exhaust deflector, and numerous small details. The hatches to the engine can be left open which opens up much diorama potential, although you will need to find an aftermarket engine. The tools have the clasps molded on and while satisfactory, could benefit from PE.

This Sherman has the ‘Heavy-duty’ VVSS bogies (Vertical Volute Spring Suspension) where each bogie is made up from twelve pieces that require negligible clean-up. The bogies have road wheels with six raised spokes, solid idler and plastic track skids (some people may want to thin these or replace them with aftermarket metal ones). A choice of two patterns of drive sprockets are offered, namely the ‘fancy smooth’ and the 'solid simple plate', both of which are seen in wartime photos.

The tracks provided offer the choice of British T62 style steel chevron or T48 rubber chevron and the option of having the duckbill extensions. Each link involves three parts (base link with chevron and two connectors) and hence the tracks will require a bit of time to assemble. Only one pair of tracks can be assembled.

Accessories

In addition to the metal barrel, the mixed media accessories include:

* 190mm twisted wire cable with injection plastic eyes for tow cable.

* 2 brass coloured rounds made from turned metal.

* PE fret with detail for light guards, rear mudguards, MG travel lock and chains.

* Clear plastic parts for the periscopes and vision blocks.

Markings
A medium sized decal sheet by Cartograf is included containing markings for five Shermans including several from Operation Cobra and one much welcomed Polish Sherman IIA. The markings covered are:

* “In the Mood” I Company 32nd Armoured Regiment 3rd US Armored Division France 1944, which was commanded by the highly decorated Staff Sergeant Lafayette Pool during Operation Cobra.

* “Elowee” 2nd US Armoured Division, France 1944

* “Ferocious III” (with F32 turret number) F Company 33rd Armoured Regiment, 3rd US Armored Division, Belgium 1944

* “Duke” D Company 66th Armored Regiment, 2nd US Armoured Division, France 1944

* Polish 1st Armoured Division tank, Holland 1944 with a cow mascot. The Polish Sherman IIAs often had additional track welded to the turret and hull.

All vehicles have an olive drab base coat and the US M4A1s have soft edged matt back disruptive camouflage. Four views are shown for each Sherman.

Recommendation

The M4A1 (76mm) is an important addition to Dragon’s Sherman series as it provides an impressive model of the first up-gunned Sherman to see combat. The inclusion of the turned metal barrel, photo-etch and clear periscopes add to the kit’s appeal, making it a comprehensive kit that offers good value for money. Definitely recommended.

- Neville Lord

"...particularly happy with the cast effect on the hull and turret..."

< full review here >
- Jim Rae

"The one thing I must caution buyers of this kit is that, like many of its fellow DML kits, once you take the parts sprues out of the box it is nearly impossible to get them all back in!"

< full review here >
- Cookie Sewell