Art Design: A 1950's retro style carded window box with information about the Corgi Toys Fighting Machines series on the back of card.
Historical Background: This Corgi is a replica of the 32 ton Sherman Tanks used in the D-Day invasion, Operation Overlord. The Sherman had a very reliable engine and was easy to produce. However, the Sherman was greatly outclassed when compared to German tanks. The armor was thin and its standard issue 70mm gun couldn't penetrate the frontal armor of the German Panther or Tiger tank, even at close range. German tanks could easily destroy the Sherman from long range. During the Battle of Normandy a single German Panther destroyed an entire company of 17 Shermans. General Maurice Rose's 3d Armored Division started with 232 Shermans in June 1944; by May 1945 the division had lost 648 destroyed and another 700 knocked out but repaired and returned to service. The loss rate was 580 percent. For each destroyed tank two or three crewmen were usually killed or wounded. The Sherman was often referred to as The Purple Heart Box. Perhaps the old saying applies that while the German Tanks may have won many of the battles, the U.S. (and its Allies) won the War.
The Corgi M-4 Sherman Tank: The die-cast metal tank is very well detailed. The treads are sculpted accurately. The tank rolls on four wheels under the chassis.
Paint Applications: Very crisply painted. The tank is weathered and muddy. The effects are very well executed. Tow lines, shovel, axe, and other gear are clearly sculpted on the tank and painted with precision.
Overall: The Fighting Machines series by Corgi offers vehicles which are painted and detailed realistically. These vehicles are available online and at most major retail stores and hobby shops at the price of $3.99.
Grade: A
