To counter the threat of German armor, the high-velocity 76mm-gunned Sherman was designed for tank-versus-tank combat. Surprisingly (or not!), US tankers regarded infantry support as a more important issue and preferred the 75mm-gunned Sherman with its powerful HE ammo and indirect fire capabilities. As a result of this preference, deployment of the up-gunned tank was delayed. Once in the field, however, the new Sherman performed well, although its relatively light armor still left it vulnerable in tank-on-tank combat.

Dragon has again taken one of its already fine kits and turned it into an absolutely magnificent one with this "Premium Edition" version of its previous M4A3 (76) kit. In addition to photo-etched detail parts for fenders, light and periscope guards, chains, and other good stuff, we also get three types of slide-molded plastic main gun barrels (no metal barrel this time), clear periscope and lights parts, a new early turret with realistic cast texture, a new rear air intake, a new cupola, a new rear deck, and...well, really, just all kinds of new goodies and options! This kit also includes a set of gorgeously molded T48 rubber chevron tracks with EEC "duckbills," which are sharply rendered as flexible one-piece "Dragon Styrene" belts. Parts for early and late T23 turrets are provided. Markings are included for five vehicles, including Tank Battalion Commander Creighton Abrams' "Thunderbolt VI." A very welcome addition to Dragon's growing roster of Premium Edition kits!