Franklin Mint Armour Collection B11Z048
M4 Sherman Tank Diecast Model
US Army, General George S. Patton
| 1:24 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| M4 Sherman Tank | | 9.5" | | 4.5" |
This is a precision-engineered scale model from The Franklin Mint, carefully crafted, hand-painted and hand-finished, featuring a level of detail far and above that of the Franklin Mint's regular Armour Collection series.
What the ship is to the Navy and what the airplane is to the Air Force-that's what the tank is to the Army. And the U.S. Army's greatest tank commander was George S. Patton Jr. Born in California on November 11, 1885, Patton attended Virginia Military Academy, graduated from West Point, and participated in the 1912 Olympic Games as a pentathlete.
During World War I, Patton served as aide to Gen. John J. Pershing and organized and trained the first tank brigade. With the outbreak of WWII, Patton returned to the battlefield and distinguished himself in a variety of campaigns-the invasion of North Africa where he faced Gen. Rommel's tank forces, and the invasion of Sicily, where he led the Seventh Army. Later, under his spirited command, the Third Army pushed through France and Germany, and into Czechoslovakia. Patton's flamboyant style and impetuous manner made him a hero to his troops, but led to a series of official reprimands and reassignments. In December of 1945, less than a year after defeating the Nazis, Patton was injured in a car accident and died in a Heidelberg hospital.
A genius in tank warfare, Patton thwarted the German counter offensive at the Battle of the Bulge, leading the way in his M4-A3 Sherman tank. The Sherman tank was the standard tank produced in the U.S. from 1942 through 1944. More than 50,000 were delivered during the height of production, and the M4-A3 was the the most important of all WW II combat tanks. This formidable vehicle was armed with a 76mm gun which had superior penetrating power and could pierce 4 inches of armor at 1,000 yards. General Patton and the redoubtable Sherman tank share a moment in military history that will not be forgotten.
The hull and rotating turret are both made from heavy diecast metal, which showcases fantastic scale details such as the authentic look and feel of true casting effects on the turret surface. The smooth-rolling, individually-linked tracks, and spring-loaded active suspension are masterfully replicated. Remove the turret to reveal a detailed cannon breach system and crew positions, driver controls, forward machine gunner’s position and a turret control panel with textured dials and levers. The turret also features an opening commander’s hatch, a moveable 50-caliber machine gun with a well-detailed ammo box that includes shells and a pivoting cannon. Opening engine hatches reveal an extensively detailed Ford GAA engine.
The Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles. Armour Collection diecast vehicles from The Franklin Mint require no glueing or painting. Each model is an instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box. Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" diecast vehicles feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Accurately detailed underside.
The pilot model of the M4 was completed in September 1941, and the Sherman became the most widely produced tank of the war. The M4 Sherman defeated heavier tanks with superior numbers, and by using outflanking tactics to strike thinner enemy flank armor. Shermans also achieved success with progressively upgunned models and by working with tank destroyers. The Sherman tank--named by the British--was fast, maneuverable, mechanically reliable, easy to manufacture, and effective in its infantry support role. It served with the US Army and Marines during World War II, and the US transferred large numbers to the United Kingdom and allied forces of many countries. 
