Still plugging away with my Dragon M4. One issue I have with this kit is the lack of marking options. For a $68 dollar model, I really think you should get more than two options. The M4 was used through most of the war. Not sure why Dragon only saw fit to give us two decal options, both from the summer of 1944.

Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone know of aftermarket decals for this Sherman variant.

On a similar note, can anyone confirm that the M4 version was ever painted in the OD / Black camouflage scheme like other Shermans during the war? I'm sure it was but for some reason, I cannot find any pictures.

If I can't find any good decals, I may just use the serial numbers and stars to make a "generic" camoflauged M4. However, I really like to try to replicate an actual tank.

Any advice is appreciated.

John

At the very least 2nd Armored had OD and black M4s according to photos in "Armored Thunderbolt". As for decals I assume that you have already considered Archer's Transfers

John

Hi John,

I had checked out Archer. Unless I am missing something, they don't have any decal sets for the M4 version. Plenty of options for A2, A3's, etc but nothing for the M4.

The other problem with Archer is that they only show you a picture of the decal set itself. It would have been helpful if you got a picture of the actual vehicle like most decal manufactures provide. You have no idea what the paint scheme is.

John

This appears to be a conscious decision by DML. I don't know if it saves them money (the decals are sourced from Cartograf in Italy, so the more elaborate the selection, the more it costs them to research, etc.), or if they just figure we'll all nuts in this hobby and will buy AM decals anyway. Same with the recent Panther D with Zim & USMC Late PTO Sherman to name kits I'm familiar with.

We knock Tamiya, but their Tiger I Early comes with 6, count 'em SIX decal and camo variants, as well as the options to build 'em (on turret track hangers).

I thought Bison did a decal set for the M4 in Normandy, with paint schemes.

Russ has hit the proverbial on the head here. Look up Bison decals. They have 70th TB and 746th TB from D-Day

http://www.angelfire.com/pro/bison/35030.html

And also some others from Normandy.

http://www.angelfire.com/pro/bison/35034.html

Bear in mind that the markings found in the DML M4 kit are to be found in these sets also, but have to say that the 70th TB markings are probably better from Bison...
Brad
Almost forgot, I can definitely confirm that M4s and M4A1s would have had the black over OD camouflage applied as was First army doctrine for Operation Cobra in July, so any vehicle from the 2AD or 3AD would be seen as a such.