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Brick Model of the Month: COBI's Sherman M4A3E8 (76)W
Welcome to this week's blog.
Before I launch into the Model of the Month feature, I wanted to remind you that our latest COBI delivery is due to arrive early next week and includes the new Executive Edition Wespe, Fiat Centauro and the Panavia Tornado.
November's Brick Model of the Month is COBI's upcoming
Sherman M4A3E8 (76)W due out at the end of November which includes 865 bricks and 5 figures! Hope you learn something new and/or enjoy some rich history and fascinating facts surrounding this iconic WW2 tank.
As always, thanks for your custom and support and please let us know any feedback either in the comments below or email: admin@bricktanks.co.uk.
Have a good weekend.
Warmest wishes,
Zoë
PS. Don't forget to download the Royal Mail app so you can let them know your 'Safe place' or to tell them you don't have a safe place. We've heard reports from customers that parcels have been left behind bins, on doorsteps and in even in a bush, as no safe place was designated.
Before I launch into the Model of the Month feature, I wanted to remind you that our latest COBI delivery is due to arrive early next week and includes the new Executive Edition Wespe, Fiat Centauro and the Panavia Tornado.
November's Brick Model of the Month is COBI's upcoming
Sherman M4A3E8 (76)W due out at the end of November which includes 865 bricks and 5 figures! Hope you learn something new and/or enjoy some rich history and fascinating facts surrounding this iconic WW2 tank.
As always, thanks for your custom and support and please let us know any feedback either in the comments below or email: admin@bricktanks.co.uk.
Have a good weekend.
Warmest wishes,
Zoë
PS. Don't forget to download the Royal Mail app so you can let them know your 'Safe place' or to tell them you don't have a safe place. We've heard reports from customers that parcels have been left behind bins, on doorsteps and in even in a bush, as no safe place was designated.
Steel and Grit: The Legacy of the Sherman M4A3E8 'Easy Eight'
The M4A3E8 (76)W, commonly known as the "Easy Eight," represents a pivotal evolution in the lineage of the American M4 Sherman tanks during the Second World War. This variant addressed several limitations of its predecessors, enhancing firepower, protection and mobility, thereby solidifying its role in the Allied forces' armoured operations.
The M4A3E8 (76)W, commonly known as the "Easy Eight," represents a pivotal evolution in the lineage of the American M4 Sherman tanks during the Second World War. This variant addressed several limitations of its predecessors, enhancing firepower, protection and mobility, thereby solidifying its role in the Allied forces' armoured operations.
Origins and Development
By the mid-war period, the Allies faced increasingly formidable German armour, such as the Panther and Tiger tanks. Earlier Shermans, equipped with a 75mm gun, struggled to penetrate these heavy tanks' thick frontal armour. In response, the M4A3E8 was fitted with the more powerful 76mm M1A2 gun, offering enhanced armour penetration and improved combat effectiveness.
The "E8" designation denoted the inclusion of the Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS), a marked improvement over the earlier vertical spring system. This upgrade provided a smoother ride over rough terrain, reducing crew fatigue and improving cross-country mobility. The addition of wider tracks distributed the vehicle's weight more effectively, enhancing performance in muddy or snowy conditions.
The "(76)W" in its designation indicated the use of wet stowage for ammunition, a feature designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires when the tank was hit. This was a critical improvement, as early Shermans had gained an unfortunate reputation for catching fire easily, earning them nicknames like "Ronsons" after the popular lighter brand.
By the mid-war period, the Allies faced increasingly formidable German armour, such as the Panther and Tiger tanks. Earlier Shermans, equipped with a 75mm gun, struggled to penetrate these heavy tanks' thick frontal armour. In response, the M4A3E8 was fitted with the more powerful 76mm M1A2 gun, offering enhanced armour penetration and improved combat effectiveness.
The "E8" designation denoted the inclusion of the Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS), a marked improvement over the earlier vertical spring system. This upgrade provided a smoother ride over rough terrain, reducing crew fatigue and improving cross-country mobility. The addition of wider tracks distributed the vehicle's weight more effectively, enhancing performance in muddy or snowy conditions.
The "(76)W" in its designation indicated the use of wet stowage for ammunition, a feature designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires when the tank was hit. This was a critical improvement, as early Shermans had gained an unfortunate reputation for catching fire easily, earning them nicknames like "Ronsons" after the popular lighter brand.
Combat Performance
The M4A3E8 first saw action in December 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge. It quickly proved its worth in combat, engaging German tanks with improved effectiveness and holding its own against superior enemy armour. Although still outclassed by the Tiger's massive 88mm gun, the "Easy Eight" could now penetrate the Panther's frontal armour at closer ranges and exploit its superior mobility to outmanoeuvre heavier German tanks.
The M4A3E8 first saw action in December 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge. It quickly proved its worth in combat, engaging German tanks with improved effectiveness and holding its own against superior enemy armour. Although still outclassed by the Tiger's massive 88mm gun, the "Easy Eight" could now penetrate the Panther's frontal armour at closer ranges and exploit its superior mobility to outmanoeuvre heavier German tanks.
Operational Significance
The M4A3E8's mobility and versatility made it a favourite among Allied tank crews. Its reliability was another key factor; the Sherman was famously dependable and easier to maintain in the field compared to its German counterparts, which often suffered from mechanical failures.
The "Easy Eight" was not just a weapon but a symbol of American industrial ingenuity. While German tanks like the Tiger were engineering marvels, they were produced in limited numbers. The Sherman, on the other hand, was mass-produced, ensuring the Allies could field tanks in overwhelming numbers. As General Patton once remarked, “Quantity has a quality all its own.”
The M4A3E8's mobility and versatility made it a favourite among Allied tank crews. Its reliability was another key factor; the Sherman was famously dependable and easier to maintain in the field compared to its German counterparts, which often suffered from mechanical failures.
The "Easy Eight" was not just a weapon but a symbol of American industrial ingenuity. While German tanks like the Tiger were engineering marvels, they were produced in limited numbers. The Sherman, on the other hand, was mass-produced, ensuring the Allies could field tanks in overwhelming numbers. As General Patton once remarked, “Quantity has a quality all its own.”
Cultural Impact: The Film "Fury"
The M4A3E8 gained renewed public attention through its prominent role in the 2014 film Fury, directed by David Ayer. The film follows a battle-hardened tank crew navigating the final days of World War II in Europe. The titular tank, "Fury," is an M4A3E8, chosen for its historical accuracy and representation of the period's armoured warfare.
The M4A3E8 gained renewed public attention through its prominent role in the 2014 film Fury, directed by David Ayer. The film follows a battle-hardened tank crew navigating the final days of World War II in Europe. The titular tank, "Fury," is an M4A3E8, chosen for its historical accuracy and representation of the period's armoured warfare.
The production team sought authenticity, utilising a real M4A2E8 Sherman tank from The Tank Museum in Bovington, to portray "Fury." This particular tank, though an A2 variant, closely resembles the A3 model, sharing the HVSS and 76mm gun features. Fury not only showcased the technical aspects of the Easy Eight but also delved into the human experiences of tank crews during the war. The film highlighted the challenges they faced, from mechanical failures to the psychological toll of combat. Check out the clip below of an exciting scene from the film where the Shermans meet a Tiger tank - enjoy!
Legacy
Following World War II, the M4A3E8 continued to see service into the 20th century, with nations like South Korea, Pakistan, and Turkey continuing to use it, as well as during the Korean War, where it faced the Soviet T-34/85. In the UK you can find this historic tank on display at The Tank Museum and at various events hosted by Cobbaton Combat Collection in Devon. Or why not build your own out of bricks!
Following World War II, the M4A3E8 continued to see service into the 20th century, with nations like South Korea, Pakistan, and Turkey continuing to use it, as well as during the Korean War, where it faced the Soviet T-34/85. In the UK you can find this historic tank on display at The Tank Museum and at various events hosted by Cobbaton Combat Collection in Devon. Or why not build your own out of bricks!
Ian
Love the information you post so informative keep up the good work 😁