M4A3E8 Sherman Easy Eight Platoon

M4A3E8 Sherman Easy Eight Platoon

Originally designated the M4A3(76)W HVSS, but then shortened to M4A3E8 (the E8 standing for the HVSS suspension), this medium tank was eventually nicknamed the “Easy Eight” by the US soldiers who fought in and alongside it. The Easy Eight features several improvements over previous M4 Sherman designs, such as the Horizontal Volute Suspension System (HVSS) and wider tracks giving it better traction, a welded rather than cast hull providing better protection, and a 76mm M1A2 main gun that could take on German 75mm guns.

The first Easy Eights were introduced in December 1944, just in time to see action in the Battle of the Bulge. Whilst the strength of its main gun threatened Axis medium tanks, it still needed to hit the rear armour of heavier German vehicles.

Over 2,500 Easy Eights were produced during World War II, and the design proved so successful that it saw use into the Korean War, and even into the Vietnam conflict.

Contains three plastic M4A3E8 ‘Easy Eight’ Sherman medium tanks, a Bolt Action stat card, three Bolt Action order dice, an assembly leaflet, three full-colour waterslide decal sheets for US and Canadian vehicles, and vehicle damage markers.