DECALS FOR FAR-FLUNG SHERMANS
Poland’s Toro Model has two recent sets of markings for Sherman tanks in two different theatres…
The Sherman is a perennial favourite with modellers. If you’re looking for a 1/35 scheme that’s a little more attractive than a run-of-the-mill Olive Drab example, two recent sheets from Toro Model are worth considering.
Item 35D57, PTO Sherman Tanks Vol.2, offers markings for seven individual US Shermans employed in the Pacific theatre of World War Two. While all wear OD paint, they are enlivened by extra camouflage colours, individual names and in one case interesting artwork… as it wears the equivalent of nose art on an aircraft. They are:
• M4A1, 58/LUCKY TIGER, 767th Tank Battalion, Ebeye Island, Kwajalein Atoll, February 1944
• M4A3(75)w, 53/DORIS, 5th Marine Tank Battalion, Iwo Jima, March 1945
• M4A3 POA-CWS H1 (flamethrower), 40/COED, 4th Marine Tank Battalion, Iwo Jima, 1945
• M4A2(75)w, 100541/GOLDBRICK JR, 4th Marine Tank Battalion, Tinian, 1944
• M4(75) Composite Hull, TROOPER, 775th Tank Battalion, Luzon, Philippines, 1945
• M4A2, B31/BANZAI, 2nd Marine Tank Battalion, Saipan, 1944
• M4(75) Composite Hull, 758/COGNAC, 763rd Tank Battalion, Okinawa, 1945
The focus shifts to ‘Blighty’s’ machines with set 35D58 British Sherman Tanks at Alamein Vol.2. It provides decals for six vehicles, four of which have two-colour desert camouflage. These are as follows:
• Sherman Mk.III, 23/BENGHAZI, 41st Royal Tank Regiment, October 1942
• Sherman Mk.II, T144958/4, 9th Armoured Brigade, October 1942
• Sherman Mk.II, 10th Hussars, October 1942
• Sherman Mk.II, T144924/IOWA/COLORADO, Staffordshire Yeomanry, November 1942
• Sherman Mk.II, T74435, Staffordshire Yeomanry, November 1942
• Sherman Mk.III, unit unknown, October 1942
Toro’s decals have thin, gloss carrier film and the printing is excellent, with all markings being in register. The sheets have black and white instructions (colour versions are available on the firm’s website), and cost 8.50€ each. Visit: www.toro-model.com.pl
