Hobby Master Archive

During WWII the Allies decided on one tank to be the main fighting-vehicle, the Sherman. Using one tank meant production could be greatly increased and the Sherman had already proven itself to be reliable. The M4 series of the Sherman was rugged, simple and easily mass produced. A total of over 56,000 units in all variants were produced. The Ford Motor Company began manufacturing the M4A3 variant in late 1942 and produced 1,690 units with dry ammunition stowage within one year. Another 3,071 units were produced with wet ammunition stowage and a new Commander’s cupola making it the most produced variant of the Sherman.

On January 9, 1945 the 43rd Infantry Division and the 716th Tank Battalion made an amphibious landing on Luzon. As they moved across the island the infantry encountered stiff opposition from the Japanese defenders and several times called upon the 716th Tank Battalion and its M4A3s to soften up the enemy. On January 17th “Classy Peg” and other M4A3s of the 716th “C” Company moved into the Cabaruan Hills and began to battle the Japanese. On January 20th they were called upon to use their tanks to retrieve the wounded that foot soldiers couldn’t reach. On January 28 1945 “C” Company of the 716th supported the infantry in a drive that ended the battle for the Cabaruan Hills. Throughout 1945 the 716th Tank Battalion was called upon by the 63rd and 20th Infantry to also assist them.

Specifications Manufactured by: Ford Motor Company Date first accepted: 1942 Total accepted then: 1,690 Crew: 5 - Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver, Assistant Driver

Engine: Ford GAA 8 cylinder 4 cycle, 60° vee gasoline 450 hp @ 2600rpm Fuel capacity: 168 gallons Combat weight: 66,700 lbs Length: 232.5 " Width: 103" Height: 108"

Armament 1 X 75mm M3 main gun in turret - 97 rounds 1 X .30 cal MG coaxial to 75mm main gun - 4750 rounds 1 X .50 cal MG flexible in turret AA mount - 300 rounds 1 X .30 cal MG ball mount in right bow - 4750 rounds 2" Mortar M3 (smoke) fixed in turret - 12 rounds

Hobby Master 1/48 Ground Power Series HG1005 M4A3 Sherman, “Classy Peg”, “C” Company 716th Tank Battalion assisting the 43rd Infantry Division, January 1945, Philippines LIMITED EDITION 500 pieces

Authentic Detailing Pre-Painted by professionals Accurate paint colors Markings Tampo (pad) applied Fully Assembled Die-Cast Model True to Scale (1:48) Insignias Turret turns Main gun elevates Metal chassis, hull, turret and main gun Realistic tracks

THESE PICTURES ARE PRE-PRODUCTION PICTURES NOT THE FINISHED PRODUCT