Introduction

Few vehicles can have gone through the evolution of the Sherman Medium Tank or (apart from the T34) served in so many conflicts for such an impressive length of time. Therefore, it is only natural, that the M4 should be such an incredibly popular for modellers. In this series, Osprey Publishing have commissioned a series of books from some well-respected modellers and the result has been a series which are truly invaluable - more for the variety of techniques demonstrated than simply the subject matter.

Osprey's New Book

Osprey Modelling 35 - Modelling the US Army M4 (75mm) Sherman Medium Tank is written by Steven J Zaloga. The book consists of 82 pages and is illustrated throughout with color photos, black and white contemporary images and some images from the official technical manuals. The book will be published in November 2006.

In Depth

This review will be done by doing an assessment of the overall book and to give a little more depth, to take a closer look at one of the build projects.

1)Introduction
Zaloga begins with a brief historical overview of the M4 series and follows this up with a look at the principal models available in both 1/35th and 1/48th scale. Although this may seem unnecessary to 'older' M4 hands, the reality is that many people simply don't know what is available from the principal manufacturers.Some good detail is provided on various of the models and some mention is made of their shortcomings also.
2)the Build Projects
Four subjects are covered - three in 1/35th scale and a fourth in 1/48th. Each of these goes considerably further than a description of 'where to put part # 457' and Zaloga talks in some detail of techniques, of the characteristics of the vehicle being modelled and the factor which lifts it beyond the simple 'modelling manual' is the inclusion of wartime images of the actual vehicle and putting it within its historical 'context'. Zaloga begins each of these projects by giving a concise analysis of the vehicle type to be modelled. Also included in virtually all of these models are a few figures and some simple groundwork. These also receive attention and notes are provided for some conversion and painting of suitable figures - yet another useful aspect of the book.

Sample Chapter: M4A3 (75mm)W Sherman, Germany 1945

This chapter involves a conversion of the DML M4a3 76 (W) with an appropriate 75mm turret and extemporized sandbag armor. The really interesting aspect however, is the use of open-weave hessian netting over both the hull and turret, giving the vehicle an absolutely unique aspect. Zaloga in this chapter deals with sources of alternative turrets, the use of sandbag armor, an interesting way of producing the hessian netting and also (if that wasn't sufficient) some useful pointers on finishing, weathering along with some simple figure conversions. This chapter in my opinion, epitomizes the value of the book - a number of strategies for reproducing some complex areas in a clearly explained format. Each of the four 'key' chapters has an absolute mass of useful techniques like this one - clearly making it appropriate for the novice to the advanced modeller.

3)Further Reading and Research
This, the final chapter is aimed principally at those with a more limited experience with the M4. Some useful pointers are given in the way of research and some well-considered comments on the limitations of some 'definitive' sources of data are also present.

Conclusions

Zaloga's work need little introduction in either his interesting articles in Military Modelling or the dozens of books he has written. It's more than just a useful book, it is, in my opinion, one of the best ever published in the Osprey Modelling series. Having said that, there are a few doubts which I would express.. Firstly, some of the 'editorial' decisions do seem a trifle odd. Do we REALLY need two pages of (nicely) presented box-art? Surely that is space which could have been better used by more of the author's analysis of the kits? Secondly, and again this is 'editorial', I would like Osprey to designate at least one project within these books for beginners. The projects don't seem TOO complex, but perhaps a little daunting for a beginner? These 'niggles' aside, I found it a superb book which (if modellers give it a chance) will have applications across any field of armor modelling. It would also be a sensible idea for Osprey to commission Mr. Zaloga to do a book specifically on the M4 in 1/72nd or 1/48th scale Once again, practicality is the nature of this book - not abstract theory.

format

The book consists of eight chapters/sections which are:

Introduction
Early M4A1 Sherman, Sicily 1943
M4 Sherman, Paris 1944
M4 mine-roller, Battle of the Bulge 1945
M4A3 (75mm)W Sherman, Germany 1945
Further reading and research
Index
Color Charts