Hi Guys, As we're talking Dragon Shermans, any news of the Firefly Ic Hybrid that was supposed to come out this year? I used the old version for an M4A1 Sherman Mk II Hybrid as it was due to be replaced Do I need to start looking for the old kit again?? Cheers Al

It certainly won't be out THIS year and I have doubts as to whether they will actually do it all...

Thanks Jim, I thought it had more or less disappeared from the radar. Al

presuming DML releases the kit as an M4A2(W), wouldnt a swap of the engine deck and rear exhaust turn this to an A3 (which was the main variant used from '43 onwards) ?

I am no fan of DML's behaviour or their treatment of customers, reviewers etc BUT I am a fan of their Shermans, they offered the first M4A4 variants, they offered the first M4A1 worth talking about. They then went on and offered M4A2's and a variety of M4A3 (only M4's to go guys). I'll take their "stuff ups" anyday. Rarely is a kit without fault so I can live with wrong decals and welds etc. This looks to be a great release and I'll just substitute the M4A2 for an M4A3 and do the M4A2 as something else. The tracks will be great. PLEASE can we have set of these in the Quartermaster range. I'd suggest 4 to a box with: T48 T48 w/eec T51 T51 w/eec Set 2 T51x2 T49 T62 Keep them coming DML and get cracking on the Firefly 1c thats 3 years overdue. CHeers Al

You can still build it as a USMC 47degree glacis M4A2, as they started turning up on Saipan. The plank armour and grilles on the hatches won't be appropriate though. Looking through the Tanks Illustrated on USMC tanks threw up a couple of interesting options like the dozer tank on Saipan with 3 applique plates on the hull side. Making an A3 would also mean changing the upper hull rear plate. David

I think i'll stop doing Photo-Reports in the News Section - a single line-drawing seems to create more debate than 50 images...

Given the information that Pawel provided i am CERTAIN that this kit will be released with markings for an M4A3. Will that stop me buying one? NO! It will make a great M4A2 75 dry and the add on parts can be added to a M4A3 of your choice. I'm very happy to see more track options and really wish for seperate releases of these. They could give you a 5 link extension piece for M4A4's instead of a new run. So far we have t54, t49 and T54 w/eec, I'd love them to add T62, T41/51 and T48 on future kits. I can't believe they have given up on the Hybrid Firefly, This could have been the basis of three or four good kits just by cross kitting the turrets they already have; or better yet an Allied 3-1 like the original release. Maybe Tasca might beat them to the punch. I was hoping for a premium release of the M4A1 with the new turret and tracks plus a metal barrel and PE but looks like that was just another rumour. Look forward to whichever Shermans Next year brings. Al

i think (And I may be wrong about this) that Tasca and DML have an agreement not to step on each others toes so I think a rerelease of the DML M4A1 is unlikely. I haven't given up on the Hybrid though.