For the most accurate OOB and best value for money the choice is simple. The new DML M4A1 76. A really good Sherman .Still not perfect but getting close. I believe the soon to be released M4A2 and M4A3 HVSS 76mm will be pretty close to perfect OOB.
CHees
Al

Gday up north Dan
Would agree with Al re the value for money and accuracy of the latest M4A1 (76)
As far as the most interesting, well it may be up the individual, but try reading up on some campaigns involving the Sherman... You gradually realise how the Sherman did as well as it did consodering it's initial employment as infantry support, not engaging enemy armour!
The Firefly is a bewdy, in all its guises due to the fact it could (practically) go toe to toe with German Panthers and Tigers in the firepower department...
The M4A3E2 'Jumbo' being uparmoured was interesting as the one Sherman that could absorb multiple hits (from an 88mm for example)
The Sherman 'dozer is another, and was invaluable in the penetration of hedgerows during the Normandy campaign...etc etc...
M4A2 (newest coming out soon!) was used by most Allied nations and as Al said it SHOULD be the most accurate to date... If it lives up to the hype!
There are many who lurk here who I'm sure will share their knowledge if you want some ample info prior or during construction...
cheers mate
Brad

The answer to all three for me is the new DML Cobra Sherman M4A1.
Take a look at Jim Rae's first look review here
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/review/1337
especially the instruction sheets which shows how many extra parts you get.
True it's not a 100 % accurate but you don't need any after market kits to correct it, just a sharp scalpel blade to remove some extra filler caps on the engine deck and the detail on the fenders and some stretched sprue to replace the detail.
If you like a challenge or you're on a budget get the Italeri M4A1 which is almost accurate out of the box apart from the badly fashioned pistol port, step in the gun and some missing nuts & bolts and casting numbers, It is a bit "old fashioned" by today's standards. Hey, buy them both and you can use the spares from the DML kit to bring the Italeri one up to date

I am building the Operation Cobra Sherman right now and I must say that it goes together quite well. Of course I had to play with some of the track links just to see what kind of a pain they would be. Surprisingly they are not as bad as I originally thought considering how many pieces make them up. So far it is a nice build with no real problems.

Dan,

For number 3, I would have to say the Sherman Mark V Tulip, which mounted rockets on each side of the turret. I think DML made a Sherman V (M4A1) a while back (not sure), and the rockets are available in resin. If you can't find the Sherman V kit, you could buy the DML FIrefly and Tamiya M4 and switch the turrets to have a Sherman V and Firefly I. However, I am not too sure about the accuracy (plus the rockets would count as aftermarket), and the price would be getting up there. However, I find this to be the most visually interesting Sherman. Now if only there had been a FIrefly Tulip...

Daniel

Sherman V = M4A4
DML actually made the tulip version but it's out of production, It sometimes comes up on ebay

Ken, I think the version you are referring to is the Caliope (sp). Had a multi rocket launcher mounted to the top of the turret. I have not seen the version they are talking about but it does sound interesting.

Kenneth That's the Caliope you're talking about, here by Gunnar Baeumer:
http://www.missing-lynx.com/gallery/dio/caliope_baeumer.html
This is the Tulip by Patrick Bernier
http://www.smhq.org/galeries/blindes/pbernier/tulip/tulip01.jpg

No probs here ken.

Always interested in the banter contained in threads.

Best SHE-MAN for you?!! Woo, won't go there And best value for the money...hmm. :-) :-)

Sorry Al, couldn't resist!
And when(if) you edit it, this won't make any sense...
Jim

Hehe well spotted Jimbo... Notice you're still thinking of an answer... :-)8

Daniel. DML released a Sherman V (Tulip - M4A4) and it can still be had. The second and third Firefly Vc release had the Tulip parts included in the kit but not the 75mm turret parts unfortunately. You could always add them to a Tamiya Turreet on a DML hull. For your info the Coldstream Guards also used Tulip conversions on Fireflies (see Concord Brit Tanks of WW2 vol 2 or the Darlington press Sherman Firefly Vc). These were on both V's and 1's (hybrids). I am hoping that DML's new tool of the 1c will have a tulip set also.
CHeers
AL

**** typo. Should read SHERMAN lol

I know I know