"PSC M4A1 for North Africa" Topic

I am looking on starting my commonwealth forces for later North Africa/Tunisia. I have been looking at the PSC M4A1 and seems a good match as far as correct hull (small hatch) and choice of narrow mantlet for the turret. Only issue I see is the applique armor on the side of the hull. I figure a little effort can sand those off. Anyone have any other issues with turning this kit into a proper M4A1 for North Africa?

I suppose same for the M4A2 they do. Appears sanding off the applique on these might work as well for North Africa/Tunisia. Any issues?

As far as I'm concerned, building the model straight and painting it desert pink will make it suitable for the North Africa

Some of the early M4a1s had Lee-type suspension, with the return roller on top of the column instead of out on an arm behind it. I've seen pictures of these as late as Sicily.

Mserafin makes a good point. Many of the pictures in my various reference books show the Lee style return rollers. However, with the large number of casualties, replacement tanks did have the standard return roller.

One thing to note, the PSC M4A1 is a very inaccurate kit. That may do bother you, but I would pass on this product. See this link for more info: TMP link

Mserafin;

You are correct in the fact some of the early M4A1 did have the M3 type suspension but many also had the M4 suspension. And yes the M4A1 with the M3 suspension could still be found with US units as late as Sicily.

Onomarchos;

The link is to their 1/72nd (20mm) kit. I dont believe their 15mm kit suffered from most of the inaccuracies cited.

The Brits preferred sand shields on the upper return run of the track. US Army didn't like these.

Most, although not all, M4A1s supplied to Monty's 8th Army would have had sand shields. Even in ETO, the sand shields were common on Shermans in British service, and are often seen on M4A4s and even on Fireflies.

I would agree with taking down the applique armor. If it was me, I would do that. I mean, if you want them for North Africa, if you're going to paint them for North Africa, why not have them look like Shermans looked in North Africa? But if the modelling ain't the thing for you, I'm sure you could skip that step. I doubt too many others will notice, and really doubt, even if they do, that anyone would take exception to their appearance on a Tunisia game board.

Now, taking off the applique armor AND cobbling up some sand shields to add on -- now that would give your tanks some character, and maybe earn a few "oohs" and "aahs", or at least some "who makes THAT?"'s when they appear on the game table.

-Mark
(aka: Mk 1)

Thanks for the input Mark. Fortunately PSC M4 kits come with optional sand shields so no need to cobble those together.

They should also have the round 3 piece bolted differential cover, not the later single piece cast version.