Sherman M4A2 Intermediate USMC

Manufacturer: MR Models (kit #7231)

by Dave Showell

As far as I know, it is the only version of the early (56 degree, small hatch) diesel engine Sherman currently available in small scale. As with most MR Sherman kits, this is technically a conversion kit for the ESCI/Italeri M4A1 late, since you need the bogey trucks, lower chassis and a few other sundry parts from that plastic kit. There are fourteen mouldings (approximately 30 parts) in beige resin and a separate bag of 10 white metal parts. The barrel, which is very nice, seems to be turned aluminum with the business end already drilled out. No decals are included.

The MR kit is, as usual, beautifully moulded with excellent detail in every respect. As has been pointed out with other kits by this manufacturer, however, there are a few air bubbles which detract slightly from the overall excellence of the model. Let me be clear – these bubbles are NOT a big deal, just a few shallow one here and there. They are nothing like some of the contour destroying honey-combing you get with some resin kits. There are just a few tiny bubble holes around the base of the turret and on the rear plate of the hull, all of which can be easily filled with a small drop of CA glue.

I assume from the specific designation (Intermediate - United States Marine Corps) which MR Models has given this kit that they have based it on a specific vehicle or group of vehicles. I have not yet managed to find a source for this exact type of vehicle in Marine use. Here are the specifics:

• As mentioned, the hull is the early 56° glacis version, but it has the welded covers for the driver and radio operator positions rather than the more common cast covers. I have seen this type in photos of Brit/Commonwealth forces in Italy and Northwest Europe. It’s great to have this unusual version available since it is unlikely that we’ll see it anywhere else. The hull also has additional armour welded over the ammunition storage (two plates on the starboard side, one on the port). Finally, it has the cast transmission cover.
• The turret gives me a problem – it is the earlier low bustle type with no loaders’ hatch and a beautifully cast internal mantlet (two external mantlets are included in the kit – both the narrow type, one with extensions on either side on the gun barrel, one without). There is a large armour patch welded over the turret ammo storage on the starboard "cheek" of the turret. So far, so good – but here’s my problem – the turret does NOT have the shell ejector port (sometimes called a pistol port) on the port side. A certain quantity of Shermans was completed with this feature deleted but only a small proportion of the total. I think it will be very difficult to find an example of this particular combination if you want to be certain that you are modeling a subject that actually existed. I would have preferred a more standard turret (one with the port).

That minor quibble aside, this is a fantastic kit of an unusual Sherman subject. I plan to do mine as a Canadian or Polish version rather than as a USMC one.