Airfix 1/72 Sherman Firefly Plastic Model Kit

As Allied forces began to move off the D-Day beaches and into the Normandy countryside, they knew they would be facing strong opposition from German Panzer units, including the feared Heavy Tank Battalions. Fortunately, they now had a tank which was capable of taking on the Tigers and Panthers, in the form of the Sherman Firefly, a British designed marriage of the M4 Sherman and their famous 17-pounder anti-tank gun. 

Usually deployed in a ratio of one Firefly to four standard Shermans, German tank commanders soon learned to look for the longer barrel of the Firefly and attempt to knock these tanks out first. In order to make identification more difficult, British crews would camouflage the front of their guns with light coloured paint, giving their tank the appearance of a standard 75mm equipped Sherman, hoping this deception would give them enough time to get in the first shot during any engagement.

Tech Specs

The Sherman Firefly is a remarkable British adaptation of the American M4 Sherman, combining a highly effective tank design with the renowned 17-pounder anti-tank gun. This 1:72 scale model kit highlights the unique characteristics of this tank destroyer, notably its elongated barrel, which made it a formidable adversary for German Panzer units. Comprising 88 pieces and rated at skill level 1, this kit, providing an easy entry into military modelling while honouring one of D-Day's key armoured vehicles. The kit offers two paint scheme options, enabling you to depict authentic versions from the Normandy campaign.

Key Features

• 1:72 scale model with 88 pieces
• Skill level 1 - ideal for beginners aged 8+
• Two authentic D-Day paint schemes included
• Extended 17-pounder gun barrel accurately represented
• Perfect introduction to World War Two military vehicle modelling

History

As Allied troops advanced from the D-Day beaches into the Normandy countryside, they anticipated facing significant resistance from German Panzer divisions, including the formidable Heavy Tank Battalions. Luckily, they had a tank capable of challenging the Tigers and Panthers: the Sherman Firefly, a British-engineered combination of the M4 Sherman and their renowned 17-pounder anti-tank gun.

Typically fielded in a ratio of one Firefly to four regular Shermans, German tank leaders quickly learned to identify the Firefly by its longer barrel and aimed to eliminate these tanks first. To make recognition more challenging, British crews would disguise the front of their guns with light-coloured paint, making their tank resemble a standard 75mm armed Sherman, hoping this ruse would allow them to fire the first shot in any confrontation.

Key Specifications

• Finish: Plastic
• Skill Level: 1

Full Specifications