Osprey Publishing

Modeling the US Army M4 (76mm) Sherman Medium Tank

by  Steven J. Zaloga

Reviewed By  Pascal Zandt, IPMS# 44514

MSRP: $18.95 ISBN: 978 1 84603 120 5 Paperback, 81 pages www.ospreypublishing.com To any armor enthusiast or military modeler the name Steven Zaloga is a well-known name. So I was a bit intimidated with the fact that I would be reviewing a book written by such a well known author and armor specialist. As I read from cover to cover, however, I realized a review would be easy. After all, what's there not to like? #40 in Osprey's Modeling series, this book could be considered as a sequel to #35 Modeling the US Army M4 (75mm) Sherman Medium Tank, also by Steve Zaloga and reviewed by Mark Aldrich. The book starts off with an introductory chapter consisting of a "quick and dirty" historical guide that really gets into some detail I would not expect for this type of book. Describing the history of older kits and their short-comings was a little overkill for me, but could be valuable to some. The next four chapters cover the various projects - M4A1 (76mm) Sherman, Operation Cobra; 'Sandbagged in Alsace': M4A3E8 (76mm) Sherman; The 'Rhine Rat Race': M4A3E2 assault tank; Big Gun, small turret: M4A3 (76mm) and M4A3 (17 pdr) Firefly. Throughout the pages of these chapters, Mr. Zaloga shares with the reader techniques he uses to make models that look almost real. Two of the techniques that I learned to appreciate and will use in future projects relate to the use of the epoxy/putty product called Kneadatite. One application has to do with creating casting beads, as well as using it to replicate canvas covers. Another neat technique was how Mr. Zaloga made sand bags and dioramas using Apoxie Sculpt. The final chapter, Research and Reference, gives some good information about where to see actual Sherman's and books and websites that cover the subject in greater detail. The last page is a color chart. It goes without saying that all the models/dioramas in the book look great. This book answers some of those 'how'd he do that?' questions, as well as suggestions on how to improve one's own projects. Mr. Zaloga's talent for writing provides expert advice and shows readers how to get the most out of their projects. As a small-scale modeler, I would have liked to see a Sherman project done in 1/72nd scale, but much of what was done in 1/35th or 1/48th can be carried over to 1/72nd scale. I'd recommend this book to any armor enthusiast.

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