M4A4 Sherman 601B Rocket
Historical Overview
The M4A4 Sherman was an American-built medium tank powered by the distinctive Chrysler multibank engine. Supplied in significant numbers to Britain through Lend-Lease, it was known in British service as the Sherman V. This model represents a late-war rocket-equipped conversion carrying 60 lb air-launched rockets, a field modification often associated with the “Sherman Tulip” tanks used by the British Guards Armoured Division in north-western Europe.
Visual Characteristics
What makes this Sherman especially distinctive is the addition of rocket rails mounted on the sides of the turret. These exposed launch rails and their large rockets create a striking silhouette while preserving the familiar Sherman features: a rounded cast turret, tall hull profile, front-mounted transmission housing and wide tracked running gear. The longer M4A4 hull also reflects the internal space required for its unusual multibank engine.
Battlefield Role
The standard M4A4 served as a versatile medium tank, supporting infantry, engaging enemy armour and exploiting breakthroughs. Rocket-equipped Shermans added a powerful short-range strike capability against fortified positions, buildings and other difficult targets. Although the rockets were less precise than the tank’s main gun, their heavy warheads and dramatic impact made them useful for suppressing strongpoints during late-war advances.
Modelling Uses
This unusual Sherman is an excellent centrepiece for World War II dioramas, model railways, wargaming displays and collectors of Allied armoured vehicles. It is particularly well suited to scenes depicting the final campaigns in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
Available Scales: 1:87, 1:76, 1:72, 1:48, 1:35
Finish Options: Cleaned Resin Grey, Grey Primed - Ready for Painting, Historical Base Colour
Fun Fact
The rocket arrangement was inspired by the RP-3 weapons carried by RAF ground-attack aircraft such as the Hawker Typhoon. Mounting these aircraft rockets on a Sherman created one of the most visually memorable British tank modifications of the Second World War.
Very small details may vary slightly depending on the scale selected.
