Sherman M4A3 (76)w - Meng - 1/35

Modeling Subjects Armor
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Here begins another project that combines history, technique, and respect for the legacy of one of the most notable units of World War II: the 761st Tank Battalion, composed mostly of African American soldiers, who fought bravely in Europe between 1944 and 1945. The chosen vehicle is the M4A3 76(w) Sherman, from Meng Models in 1/35 scale.

Since the vehicle already has its history well documented in the forum, I will only cover the most relevant parts.

Technical Introduction – M4A3 76(w)

The M4A3 76(w) was one of the most advanced variants of the Sherman family. Equipped with the M1A1 76.2 mm gun, it offered greater firepower against German armored vehicles like the Panther and the Tiger. The letter “w” indicates the wet stowage ammunition system, which drastically reduced the risk of fires after impacts. Major features:

  • Ford GAA V8 gasoline engine (500 hp);
  • Front armor up to 63 mm with sloping.
  • VVSS Suspension (Vertical Volute Spring Suspension).
  • Crew of five men.
  • SCR-508 radio for tactical communications.

This version began to be used in 1944, being widely employed in the campaigns in France, Belgium, and Germany.

The Thunderbolt VI

The Thunderbolt VI was the last Sherman commanded by Lt. Col. Creighton Abrams. Abrams was the commander of the 37th Tank Battalion of the 4th Armored Division of the U.S. Recognized for his aggressive and strategic leadership, he was instrumental in the American offensive during the Battle of the Bulge, especially in the mission to liberate Bastogne, which was surrounded by German forces. His direct and courageous command style inspired his troops and was decisive for the success of the mission.

Bastogne, December 1944
The city of Bastogne, in Belgium, was a strategic point during the Battle of the Bulge. The American forces were surrounded by the Germans, and General Patton ordered the 4th Armored Division to advance to break the siege and support the 101st Airborne Division. Abrams led the spearhead of the offensive with the Thunderbolt VI, breaking thru enemy lines and paving the way for the relief of the besieged troops.

The chosen paint scheme was this one:

The Kit – Meng Models 1/35

Meng Models delivers a good kit, with:

  • Refined external detailing (casting and welding textures).
  • Tracks in segments and individual links.
  • Functional hatches and open mounting options.
  • Excellent quality plastic and precise fittings.

It doesn’t have a complete interior, but since I intend to make it closed, it’s not a problem.

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Stage 1
Wheel assembly

The metal spring system allows simulating the damping movement of the wheels.

Parts.

First stage of assembly.

Completion of the assembly.

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Stage 2
Bottom of the hull

Installation of the shield that protects the transmission. The kit already comes with a light texture, I will probably not do the process using putty and glue/acetone.

Detail of the transmission.

Rear access to the engine, exhaust, and towing.

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Stages 4 and 5

Finishing the bottom part of the hull
So far, no difficulty or problem. 100% fit and zero flash.

Next time we will have the tracks.

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Caterpillars

These are a hassle, so I’ll manage them throughout the project. Besides, the metal wires to secure the belts didn’t come, or I lost them. What I had extra ran out in the first twenty-two links, so now I must wait for them to arrive by mail. The power and network cables I have at home are very thick.

This template helps a lot, without it it’s difficult to assemble, almost impossible.

Closed hull

It took some effort to close and align everything, but it all went well.

Detail of the traction pulley.

I replaced the original submachine gun with a metal one (I don’t remember the brand now), this one was bought a long time ago.

Engine deck before the work.

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Your progress looks great and it appears to be a fantastic kit but I don’t know if I’d take on those individual track links!

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Really, they are laborious and not productive at all. There are better versions. Thank you for following along.

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Dang, that model looks like a great build. However, the tracks could definitely be improved. If possible, could you find the brand of metal machinegn you are using, it looks really good.

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Excellent project! But I will add one historical footnote- Col. Abrams would command one more Sherman, Thunderbolt VII, an up armored M4A3E8 in Spring 1945 before the war ended in Europe. Thunderbolt VI was his mount in the Battle of the Bulge, and he had to be “asked” by higher command to use the type, instead of a 75mm gun type, so that his troops would gain faith in the type.

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@stikpusher
Thank you for the correction! I had read it in another source and forgot to correct it.

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Front of the upper part of the hull

Stages 11, 12, and 13 of assembly completed.

Here are the suspension springs in action as well.

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The PE details look great on there. It’s really coming together.

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Upper rear of the hull

Assembly stages 15 to 18.

Be careful in step 18 because the manual instructs to leave the steel cable at 123 mm, when in fact this measurement is short. The correct value would be 147 to 148 mm, this difference is small, but enough to cause fitting issues in the final attachment of the cable support (beginning or end).

Tower Assembly

Assembly stages between 19 and 21

One of the conveyor belts finished… :face_with_spiral_eyes:

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This is a pretty cool build. i have been wanting to do a tank for the 761st for awhile now. I am looking forward to seeing how this turns out. :+1:

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Hi @Mustang8376

Initially, I wanted to build for the 761st, but I realized I had never built anything with a winter theme, so I changed it.
Another point that contributed to the exchange was not finding photographic references for the markings indicated in the manual.

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Super clean build going on. Following this one. Maybe I can learn a thing or two.

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