I'm eyeing my Tamiya M4 (early production) model and noticed there's a raised number on the hull in between the two drivers' hatches. Is this supposed to be the casting number on the hull or is this something that needs to be removed? The Tamiya copyright, etc information seems to be on the inside.

TIA...Kevin

It's a casting number. There are two more on the transmission's housing (cover), and one on each of the set's bogies too.

Like Ken says, it's a casting number. They are still present on modern US tanks like the M1/A1/A2, although now it looks like a welder put them there freehand instead of the machined numbers of the 1940s. It is supposed to be there. Verlinden(?) or someone even makes a photo etch set of casting numbers that you can replicate the casting numbers of the exact vehicle that you want to build.

I realized this after I posted and looked at the rest of the parts a bit more. I'm an idiot. At least I didn't sand it off! Finally started the Sherman though, my first armor kit. Like my first aircraft, it's an exciting journey - I don't know where I'm going. I just can't wait to get that turret on and use my Eduard stencils. I'm shocked at the number of small parts: headlights, headlight covers, handholds, etc.