M4 Sherman T-34 Calliope rocket launcher

Though the U.S. and Allied forces was decisively winning in the latter stages of WWII, there remained concern about the inferiority of the Sherman tank in firepower and armour protection compared to the German Tiger and Panther. It is said that the U.S. matched the superior quality of German tanks only by the superior Quantity of allied tanks. And this was largely true. The Sherman did not fare well in tank-to-tank slugging matches with their giant German counterparts- shells often harmlessly bounced off the thick German armour! One of the most powerful variants of the M4 Sherman was the 105mm Howitzer equipped version, which provided valuable fire support for the U.S. infantry as well as extensive use in anti-tank operations.

A great little kit, the suspension works like a dream! Lots and LOTS of stowage and equipment to give it that authentic US lived in look, all thats missing are a few hershy bars and pin up gals! hmmmm, back to the bits box ;O)

The M4 in US service was fitted with rockets on top the existing gun turret. The 752nd Tank Battalion in Italy in WW2 used M4 Sherman tanks with both the short-range T40 Whizbang and the long-range T34 Calliope , including extensive Calliope firing during the static period before the final Po Valley breakthrough. US units in the European Theater of Operations also used Calliope.

This variation represents the T-34 60 tube firing 4.5 inch rockets...can cuase quite a headache!

Copius ammounts of plastic card and aluminium tubing!

There is actually 30 FEET of tubing used in this variant, yes thats 30 FEET!!!

Close up of the linkage which allows the whole turret to move up and down with the elevation of the barrel