Tom,

Thank you! I know that the US Marines preferred the M4A2 for its diesel engines, but used the M4A3 as well. I am not sure of the A1. I may have to get the Dragon/DML M4A2 kit to model an accurate US Marines kit.

Thanks again!

Bill

Hi Bill,

There is a decent review of the kit on PMMS. It is basically a late "big hatch" M4A3, with some parts to make it an M4A2. Most of the parts are from tooling more than 30 years old, so detail isn't up to the current high standard, but a decent model can be made from it with a little effort. The biggest problem with all Italeri Shermans is the stiff tracks. You can replace them, or try to "pre-form" them around the sprocket and idler to reduce tension on the plastic axles. I've had some success making a former from a slab of wood with nails in to outline the shape of the kit suspension - the track gets wrapped around and then left on the car dashboard for a week to soften and conform to the new shape. As most cars will hit 140F with the windows closed on a sunny day this allows the stiff vinyl to soften just enough to take the new shape without melting.

Hope this helps!