Forces of Valor 873004A - M4A1 Sherman tank France August, 1944 1:72

Nummer 4 The M4A1 was essentially identical to the standard M4, sharing the same engine, powertrain, and armament. The key difference was its cast hull - a massive single-piece casting. At the time, this was an extremely challenging feat of foundry engineering, one that the Germans could not replicate due to their lack of advanced technology and necessary equipment. From hatches to road wheels, turrets, and guns, the M4A1 was fully interchangeable with the M4 and other Sherman variants. The M4A1 remained in production longer than other hull variants. It underwent all major upgrades, including the improved large-hatch hull with additional armor for the ammunition stowage, the T23 turret with a 76mm gun, wet ammunition storage, and the HVSS suspension. Among these, the M4A1(76) HVSS tanks included the final 30 Shermans ever produced. The M4A1 was also the first Sherman variant to see combat with the upgraded M1 tank gun and T23 turret, making its debut during Operation Cobra. These tanks later became the basis for the Israeli M51 Sherman. Between February 1942 and July 1945, three factories produced a total of 9,527 M4A1 tanks in various configurations. During the Battle of Cape Gloucester, the U.S. Marines fielded a company of small-hatch M4A1(75) tanks - the only type of tank used by the Marines in the Pacific Theater.