US M4A3 Sherman Medium Tank - Creighton Abrams' "Thunderbolt IV", 37th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, Bastogne, Belgium, December 1944 (1:43 Scale)

Product Dimensions: 5.35 x 2.40 x 2.73 in.

Model History and Information: The M4A3 was the Fisher Tank Arsenal-built version of the Sherman medium tank, powered by the Ford GAA V8 engine. From late 1944 many hulls were fitted with the longer 76mm gun M1, trading some high-explosive power for improved ability against German armor while keeping the Sherman's established chassis and logistics base. Lieutenant Colonel Creighton Abrams commanded the 37th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, during its advance to relieve the besieged town of Bastogne. On 26 December 1944 the battalion, supported by artillery fire on the village of Assenois, broke through German lines and reached the 101st Airborne Division's perimeter, becoming the first unit to lift the siege. Throughout the war, Abrams named a succession of his own command tanks 'Thunderbolt.'

Model Features & Details:

• Cast turret fitted with a .50 caliber machine gun mount and periscope sights on the commander's cupola
• Long-barreled 76mm main gun with a tan-colored travel lock/cover at the mantlet
• Vertical volute spring suspension (VVSS) with detailed track and roadwheels
• White star national markings on the turret, glacis and hull sides
• "Thunderbolt IV" nose art and "U.S.A. 30667451" registration marking on the hull side
• Stowage box and unit markings ("37", "HQ") on the rear hull deck

Packaging: Pending manufacturer confirmation.