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M4A2 Sherman (US045)

M4A2 Sherman (US045)

M4A2 Sherman (US045)
Includes one M4A2 Sherman tank, with tank commander and optional Improvised Tank Assault Armour.

The M4 Sherman was the most numerous battle tank used by the United States and some of the other Western Allies in World War II. Of the many Sherman variants, the M4A2 was one of the few with a diesel engine. Most of the approximately 8000 M4A2 tanks produced were employed by the United States' allies. However, the Marine Corps did field them in the Pacific, when the smaller M2 light tank proved to be inadequate.

Check out the M4A2 Sherman in the online store here...

Designed by Evan Allen
Painted by Aaron Mathie

Gung-Ho
The US Marine Corps has had a long and proud history, and the Pacific Campaign of 1941 to 1945 was perhaps its finest hour. They were the tip of the American spear, conducting amphibious assaults from Guadalcanal, through the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian and Guam, and ultimately taking the Japanese posessions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, in preparation to invade mainland Japan itself.

Learn more about Gung-Ho here...

Gung-Ho – US Marine Corps in the Pacific

With a larger 75mm gun, the M4A2 was not only able to destroy Japanese tanks with ease, it was also useful for destroying bunkers and other field fortifications in support of the Marine Riflemen. With a wide range of upgrades such as waterproofing for amphibious operations and the addition of extra armour to protect against suicide attacks, the Marine Shermans were as distinctive as they were useful.

In another modification, the Marines removed the commander’s .50 cal machine-gun to prevent it being turn on their own infantry by assaulting Japanese.

M4A2 Sherman (US045) M4A2 Sherman (US045)
M4A2 Sherman (US045) M4A2 Sherman (US045)
The M4A2 Sherman in Flames Of War

      Armour    
Name  Mobility Front Side Top Notes
Weapon Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower  
M4A2 Sherman Standard Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, Tank Telephone.
M3 75mm gun  32"/80cm 2 10 3+ Smoke, Stabiliser.

M4A2 Sherman (US045) M4A2 Sherman (US045)

Your M4A2 Sherman tanks may be fitted with Improvised Tank Assault Armour for +5 points per tank.

M4A2 Sherman (US045) M4A2 Sherman (US045)
Improvised Tank Assault Armour
To protect their tanks from suicide attacks by Japanese armed with magnetic mines the Marine tankers would add a layer of wooden planks to their tanks. This simple improvisation was to stop the magnetic mines from sticking to the tanks.

If a vehicle with Improvised Tank Assault Armour fails an Armour Save against a weapon with a Firepower rating of 5+ or 6, roll another die.

  • On a roll of 5+ the Improvised Tank Assault Armour stopped the shot. Ignore the failed save.
  • Otherwise, the results of the failed Armour Save stand.

Improvised Tank Assault Armour has no effect against Flame-throwers, Artillery Bombardments, or Aircraft.

If a vehicle with Improvised Tank Assault Armour fails an Armour Save against an Improvised Tank Assault team in an assault, roll another die.

  • On a roll of 5+ the Improvised Tank Assault Armour stopped the hit. Ignore the failed save.
  • Otherwise, the results of the failed Armour Save stand.

Otherwise, in assaults, it only protects against hits from Gun teams using a weapon with a Firepower rating of 5+ or 6 and using the Tanks Hit by Gun Teams rule on page 157 of the rulebook.

M4A2 Sherman (US045) M4A2 Sherman (US045)

M4A2 Sherman Contents
M4A2 Sherman (US045)

a. 1x Sherman Plastic Sprue
b. 1x M4A2 Sherman Hull
c. 1x M4A2 Sherman Turret

d. 1x Left Side Improvised Tank Assault Armour.
e. 1x Right Side Improvised Tank Assault Armour.
f. 1x Tank Commander.

Assembling the M4A2 Sherman
Begin by clipping the tracks, the 75mm gun and the commander's hatch from the plastic sprue.
M4A2 Sherman (US045) M4A2 Sherman (US045)
Step 1. Begin assembly by attaching the tracks to the hull. The tracks have corresponding tabs and notches – two on the left-hand side and three on the right-hand side – to ensure correct placement.
Below: The correct alignment for the left-hand side track. Below: The correct alignment for the right-hand side track. Below: The tracks correctly attached to the hull.
M4A2 Sherman (US045) M4A2 Sherman (US045) M4A2 Sherman (US045)
Step 2. Attach the main gun to the turret. Note: The 'Zippo' flame-tank variant looked the same as the standard version, so there is no need to model it differently. Step 3. Next, add the commander's hatch.
M4A2 Sherman (US045) M4A2 Sherman (US045)
If you want your tank to have a commander, cut the hatch in half with a hobby knife. Glue the two hatch pieces in an open position. You may prefer to paint the tank commander separately before gluing him in place.
M4A2 Sherman (US045) M4A2 Sherman (US045) M4A2 Sherman (US045)

Some people like to glue rare earth magnets into the recess in the hull and to the bottom of the turret, as a way of making sure the turret doesn't fall off during handling or gaming. Of course, this is entirely optional.

Rare Earth Magnets (XX105) are available through the online store here...

Rare Earth Magnets (XX105)
Step 4. If you choose to add the the optional improvised armour, it is a simple matter of gluing the metal part to the side of the hull. And repeat for the other side.
M4A2 Sherman (US045) M4A2 Sherman (US045)
The completed M4A2 Sherman, with Improvised Tank Assault Armour.
M4A2 Sherman (US045)


Last Updated On Thursday, August 18, 2016 by James at Battlefront