Peleliu M4A2

[menardi]

Hi!

I have in my hand an Italeri US Marines Sherman, I would like to know what I need to model this Sherman with "Peleliu layout". I need, mainly, tank names and markings .

Coud you help me?

Thanks in advance, Fabrício

[dharper]

Hello Fabricio,

Are you interested in making the necessary changes to the model kit itself to build an accurate USMC M4A2 Late Production vehicle used on Peleliu. Or do you just want the markings info?

David

[menardi]

Both! I know the Italeri kit is not an accurate model and I need infos about USMC M4A2 markings during Pelelui battle.


Regards, Fabrício

[dharper]

Hello Again Fabrico,

The first photo below is of a USMC M4A2 Late Production version on Peleliu in 1944. This photo shows the most common locations and types of markings carried on the USMC tanks during the battle. They carried the USMC centered over vehicle seriel number on the hull side just about centered with the middle of the turret, this marking was painted in yellow.

The other markings carried also on the hullside were the radio data (SCR-528), and the shipping/staging/deployment markings. These were all painted in white.

The vehicle tactical markings (C9 on the tank in the first photo) were hand painted in white. These were rather sloppy on most tanks. The tactical markings were painted on all four corners of the turret sides, sometimes again on the turret rear and on the rear wading stack if the vehicle had one mounted.

The second image is a frame grab from some color movie film shot on Peleliu during the battle. It clearly shows the colors of the markings.

As far as the modifications that need to be made to the Academy kit, of course you need to replace the turret with a 75mm gun version with the two top hatches. The upper rear hull angle is too steep and needs to be corrected. I have done this and it is a real bitch because you have to deal with the parts relation to the other angles at the rear hull. Lastly there is the problem with the weld seam on the rear engine deck where it meets the butt plate. Academy has it running straight acrossed the rear, but it actually follows the rear edge pieces. Their may be more to correct, it depends on how much time you want to spend. I would not worry too much about small things as they usually make no discernable difference in a well executed model.

Hope this helps,

David

P.S. I threw in one more photo for good measure

http://www.harpercastings.com/images/image_posts/Pel%20M4A2C2.jpg

http://www.harpercastings.com/images/image_posts/USMCM4-7.jpg

http://www.harpercastings.com/images/image_posts/Pel%20M4%2012.jpg

[menardi]

Nice pics David!

Thanks a lot for the great help and infos!


Best wishes, Fabrício