[chascbv]

Aren't some of my "reviews" in this thread gone?
Why?
Where are they now?
Didn't I include a post on the M4A3(105) HVSS pair by Dragon? Or am I developing Alzheimer's disease?

[chascbv]

Well... Nobody cared to answer my previous post, so let's move on to the following topic.

In May 1943, a German photographer immortalized a StuG parade somewhere near the Ukrainian town of Akhtyrka; while I don't know what they were celebrating for sure (see the garlands in the command vehicle), it might have well been their victorious involvement in the third battle for Kharkov, along the II.SS Corps, during January and February that same year (this was the last major victory of German forces in Russia, when Kharkov was retaken from Soviet hands often fighting against 6-fold greater forces), or the arrival of new StuG III G vehicles of January 1943 manufacture, or maybe both things.

"Grossdeutschland" had been withdrawn from front line operations in April, and sent to the area around Akhtyrka to rest and refit. Soon, in July, the division would return to front-line duties, and play a relevant role in the greatest armour battle ever, which would develop around Kursk.

Dragon has released their first (and long awaited) StuG III in the colours of the "Grossdeutschland" division at their rest site in May, and what a beautiful product it is!

The model (accurately) depicts an early version of the G model, and is as good as can be with today's modelling technology. It has no zimmerit, which seems correct for this version (see the enclosed photograph), and exhibits the green on dark yellow camo scheme that the original vehicles wore. After their recent Su-100s, I only miss the sagging effect on the tracks... But that's too small a nit to pick, isn't it.

We've all complained at those silly repeat releases by Dragon (the Jagdtiger with the green tarp, etc.), but let's recognize that new models such as this one are worth the wait, and the irritation at the sight of said repeats... and, who knows, maybe those silly rereleases contribute to the funding of these splendid new moulds?

Well done, Dragon. Keep 'em coming!!!

[wmosner]

Don't remember ever seeing your Sherman reviews.

[fsrpcunha]

Well if your Sherman reviews are not here anymore way not post them again?

It will be interesting for everyone (especially me)!!!!

Cunha

[chascbv]

I'd swear I had included those reviews, and even saw them online... My self-administered Mini-Mental exam suggests no Alzheimer either... but you know, self-explorations may be deceitful, even if you're a psychiatrist... Oh, my!

Well, a fiercest battle raged in Okinawa between April and June 1945, and the US Marines had to dislodge Japanese soldiers from countless pillboxes, casemates, wells in the ground, and caves and tunnels on the hills. It was the hardest of battles around a complex network of fortifications, both natural and artificial, that had to be conquered one by one in the face of often fanatical resistance and bravery. Support tanks were available, but most relevant amongst armoured vehicles around were the Shermans from 713th Tank Bn, whose vehicles had been distributed among the rest of fighting units in the island, and proved instrumental in bringing about the desired outcome. This battalion had been taken to Oahu in Hawaii during November 1944 to become the one and only flame-throwing tank unit in the Army - all 54 tanks had a Ronson-type flame-throwing system inserted in their standard 75-mm turrets and guns.

And this is what is wrong with Dragon's model - it can't be a vehicle of 713th Tank Bn in Okinawa, as it is 1) not a flame-throwing tank, 2) a 105-mm howitzer version. Also, photographs available to me show that 713th Bn tanks had the VVSS running gear, rather than the later HVSS type included in the model (my sources are not exhaustive, so any contributions are welcome!).

Having said this, the model is in itself a beautiful reproduction of an M4A3(105) HVSS tank, even if the dubbed mud effect is somewhat unconvincing. Some reviewers elsewhere complain that the gun mantlet is about 10% too narrow, but following a scan of pictures by yours truly I really can't find fault with this model or its mantlet. To me, this is another accurate, outstanding Sherman model by Dragon. It only needs a different unit assignment...

The attached picture (a well-known one at that) shows a tank of 713th Tank Bn roasting up some pillbox during the Okinawan campaign.

[CKS1]

Hello all.

I have seen some of these 105 Shermans in stores and have noted what appears to be a hole (a imperfection in the casting/molding process??) in the upper left side/corner of the turret. As per Mr Chascbv's photo it's just above the 6, I have seen this on all versions of this model Sherman thus far produced.

Has anyone else noticed this???

Cheers CKS1

[tankguy]

Not a defect, they all had them, I believe for additional exhausting of smoke.

[PickMattock]

I believe the unit designation may actually be correct. Page 54 of “U.S. Armor Camouflage and Markings World War II” by Jim Mesko has a picture of this exact Sherman. While the particular caption does not mention the 713^th, and the rest of the Shermans pictured on that page are indeed 713^th vehicles and the caption reads, “These composite hull flamethrowers and 105-equipped howitzer tanks have their hull stars painted out in various ways. While some crews have followed the general outline of the star, several, including the one on the left, have just covered them over in any fashion.”

Now the bad news, I believe the 105mm Sherman with these markings is actually an M4 (105) HVSS, and not an M4A3 (105) HVSS. There are three HVSS 105mm vehicles in the picture (as well as three flame tanks.) The back of the tank in question is slightly obscured by a wading trunk but it doesn't appear to be an A3, but one of the assault guns next to it is definitely an M4 and NOT an M4A3. I assume all the 105mm Shermans in the picture are the same make, and Dragon’s 713^th vehicle should actually be a radial engined M4 with a 47° glacis and HVSS. (Internet says Detroit Tank Arsenal manufactured 841 of this type, and makes sense that if the 713 was equipped with 105s they'd have the same engine as their flame tanks.) To my eyes it also looks like it has T66 track. I'll post the pic latter if you guys are into that.

[chascbv]

Yes, please, PickMattock, I'd love to see the pic!

I reviewed my sources, and they are clear that all tanks in the battalion were made over as flame-throwers (see the following link, for instance: http://www.11tharmoreddivision.com/h...wing_tank.html). However, as the battalion's companies and platoons were separately attached to other units for flame-throwing support, those 105 Shermans could belong to any of the other tank battalions in Okinawa... What do you think? Also, could such unit be identified?

[fsrpcunha]

To chascbv:

Thanks for the review.

------------

I'm interested in knowing if this should be a M4 or M4A3. What I do know is that in Okinawa there were M4(HVSS) 105mm which are a bit rare.

I'l try to see what I have in my books.

Cunha