BASIC BUILD
Massimo Santarossa gets 'to the point' with Airfix’s new Firefly – a splendid 1/72 Sherman Vc kit.
No matter whether the other person knows armour or models, mention the Sherman tank and pretty much everyone knows what you’re talking about. It surely must rank as one of the most ubiquitous armoured fighting vehicles since tracks first took to mud.
The M4 received its baptism of fire in 1942 at El Alamein, then went on to fight throughout the Mediterranean campaign and both the European and Pacific theatres of operations. It remained in service with nations around the globe after World War Two, serving during combat in the three decades that followed.
Above: Airfix’s lower hull comprised five parts that went together with substantial locating tabs, the result being a very solid and square sub-assembly.
Above: Runner B held the pieces to form the Firefly’s turret and one-piece running gear – these featured a plain pattern strongly resembling T51 rubber blocks.
Above: With the link-and-length option, curved track sections were supplied to wrap around the drive and idlers wheels, with the end connectors moulded directly on the latter.
It’s therefore not surprising that it has been one of the most-produced armour subjects o…
