The battle of the Shermans continues with Dragon Models unveiling the poster for their M4a1.

We've now been given a glimpse (albeit with CAD images) of Dragon Models' new Sherman:

DRA6447 - El Alamein Sherman (Smart Kit)

Details have just been listed and they are:

Turret:

- One-piece early 75mm gun turret has cast texturre
- Commander's hatch w/periscope assembly
- Bolted connecting plate for gun shield attachment rendered in fine detail
- Two types of gun barrels are slide molded w/hollow end

Upper Hull:

- Completely new slide-molded upper hull w/realistic cast detail
- Newly tooled glacis w/direct vision hoods accurately reproduced
- Newly designed driver's and radio operator's direct vision slots w/clear periscope assemblies
- Direct vision covers can be modeled open/closed
- Detailed fighting compartment ventilator
- Brand new photo-etched OVM clasps display sublte detail
- Photo-etched light guards included
- Special device included to bend specific photo-etched parts to correct angle
- Newly designed engine deck w/air-intake cover
- Newly tooled tail lamps imitate the real items
- Detailed lifting eyes w/weld pattern
- Two options for cutouts on engine compartment cover
- Options for engine ventilator covers

Lower Hull and Rear:

- Chassis made by 2-directional slide mold; bolts and rivets delicately represented on hull
- Newly tooled one-piece slide-molded transmission cover w/realistic cast detail
- Fenders made from photo-etched parts to represent actual thickness
- Finely detailed photo-etched storage box brackets is new
- Photo-etched parts for fender attachment strip
- New rear hull armor plate w/air filters and engine compartment rear doors
- Finely detailed air filters newly tooled

Suspension, Wheel and Tracks:

- Fully detailed brand new T41 DS tracks
- Suspension bogies w/realistic cast detail; towing eyes included
- Realistically reproduced suspension system
- Idler mount is new
- New idler wheels have delicate detail

Not many suprises as they've been publishing a series of 'Inside Stories' in the last week or so on their website. However, there are a number of interesting conundrums with this this release...

Firstly, DML were first to announce a DV (Direct Vision) hulled M4a1. The first we knew of the Tasca release was a few days before it was officially announced. Despite the fact that Tasca are distributed by DragonUSA, there has been a distinctly unpleasant campaign against their M4a1.

So, going by the images that have just been released, pretty much along the same lines and doubtless this will be a few dollars cheaper. Amongst the many features listed, there is one which is VERY welcome - a plastic former to bend the PE for the front headlight guards. Not as innovative as some may have you believe - Bronco include this one as standard...

It's a VERY welcome release indeed - the comparative Reviews will be worth reading!

Meanwhile, as a taster of what to expect - the images of the new model.