1:72 Starter Set Sherman Firefly

The real subject

The Firefly is the British conversion of the American Sherman medium tank. A substantially more powerful anti-tank gun was fitted into the turret, known in British nomenclature by the weight of its shell as the 17-pounder. The new gun is recognizable at first glance by the strikingly long barrel and by the box on the turret rear that balances the weight of the weapon. The Firefly was one of the few Allied tanks that could deal with the strongest German types in 1944, which is why it became target number one.

What the set contains

The core of the starter set is a plastic kit in 1:72 scale with the parts on sprues and with a decal sheet. The boxing is put together so that a beginner can manage the build. The extent of the other accessories differs from one starter set boxing to another.

Building and painting tips

The long barrel is the most sensitive part on the model: glue it carefully so that it is not twisted, and protect it from knocks throughout the build. Paint the running gear and the bottom of the hull before you glue the tracks on, because after that a brush will not reach between the wheels. Crews often disguised the long barrel with paint so that the tank would not look like a Firefly at a distance, which is a rewarding subject for a non-standard scheme. Apply dust and mud last, as a thin glaze from the bottom upward.

Who it is for

The set suits a first tank model as well as an addition to a collection of late-war Allied equipment. The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted, unless stated otherwise; exactly what comes with the kit differs from one starter set boxing to another.