I've wanted to build a 1/35 Canadian Sherman non-firefly variant in either Italian or NW Europe campaign. But I get a bit confused as to which model variant I should start with. I have a lot of years experience modeling but not a lot on armor models.

Any help with pointers to the right direction would be great. I do have the book The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps by Marteinson and McNorgan.

Using a good quality M4A4 such as to be released by Tasca (my first choice) or the new "orange" boxing by DML/Cyberhobby is the way to go. A smattering of others were used --a few Sherman IIIs were used in NWE, a few M4 (105)s were also used.

This is a good site for research
http://www.mapleleafup.org/intro.html

Maybe connect w/Martin visser who just completed his Sherman V

http://www.modelgeek.com/forums/133081&page=1

I recommend looking at Armored Acorn:

http://www.armouredacorn.com/

The page on Canadian Vehicle Markings should provide lots of inspiration and details about vehicles used.

-Doug

You have the option of M4A1 (Italy - TASCA kit), M4A4 (Italy/NWE - TASCA or new DML) or M4A2 (NWE - DML kits )
I'd personally go for one of the colourful M4A4's in Italy using the new DML CH Orange range kit as they were in great looking schemes with cam and large names.
Cheers
Al

Hey Craig,
For a Canuck Sherman, go for a Dragon Sherman III, kit #6231 or the reissued Sherman V, kit #9102, coming soon from Cyber-Hobby.

http://www.dragonmodelsusa.com/dmlusa/prodd.asp?pid=DRA6231
http://www.dragonmodelsusa.com/dmlusa/special/20090114_ORANGEBOX/orangebox.html

I suggest you get some accessories from Ultracast, especially their decal sets if you want to build a vehicle from a specific regiment or unit:

http://www.ultracast.ca/armor.htm

Ultracast also do a terrific range of figures to populate your vehicle.

http://www.ultracast.ca/figures.htm

Service Publications does a number of good and inexpensive booklets on Canadian vehicles and weapons:

http://www.servicepub.com/

Cheers

jjumbo

Thank you for the many replies so quickly to my question. You can imagine my confusion, as I am paging through my book on the Canadian Armoured Corp I see Shermans with two different transmission covers. Two different gun mantlets as well.

Do the Dragon and Cyber kits provide both these optional parts?

Thank you

Hey Craig,
You'll need to identify the type of Sherman you want to build and then pick which kit to go with.
IIRC, the Canadian Armoured Brigades were issued mainly Sherman V M4A4's but also used a variety of M4, M4 Hybrid, M4A1 and M4A2 Shermans.
I don't think they were ever issued the 76mm armed version but they did use the M4 105mm version.
And depending on their date of manufacture and type, the Shermans used by the Canadian Armoured Brigades had a variety of features.
All M4A4 Sherman V's had the 3 piece transmission cover but could have either the M34 or M34A1 gun mantlets.
Not sure about the re-released Cyber-Hobby Sherman V but the M4A2 Sherman III from Dragon has the one piece transmission cover but includes the early and late M34 mantlets and the M34A1 type.
Dragon's original M4A4's had both types of mantlets and from the CAD pic, the new CH kit appears to have the M34A1.
Dragon kits are usually a mish-mash of various kits and they tend to give you plenty of extra bits and pieces.
Cheers

jjumbo

Seems I was a bit too fast with my wallet and went out and purchased the Dragon Sherman III and am discovering it was really the wrong kit to buy. Today I just noticed the rear engine compartment on the aft wall is a different arrangement as well as the tracks, turret stowage box, etc.

I think I will have to go for the new CyberHobby kit of the M4A4.

Anyone want to buy a Sherm III

which kit is it and the kit number??? pm me and we can discuss the details