Rye Field Model 5038 – British Sherman VC Firefly

The Rye Field Model 5038 British Sherman VC Firefly is a 1/35 scale model kit of the famous British adaptation of the American Sherman tank, equipped with the powerful 17-pounder anti-tank gun. Known as the Sherman Firefly, this variant was specifically modified to counter German heavy armor, making it a key asset for Allied forces, particularly in the later stages of WWII. Ry Field Model’s kit captures the Firefly’s distinctive features and British modifications with impressive detail and accuracy, making it a highly valued kit for modelers interested in WWII armor.

Key Features:

• Scale: 1/35, offering a balance of detail and size, compatible with other WWII military models and ideal for diorama use.
• Highly Detailed 17-Pounder Gun: The kit includes a meticulously crafted 17-pounder gun, capturing the long-barreled anti-tank weapon that made the Firefly effective against German armor. The gun has options for elevation and can be displayed in different angles.
• Distinctive Firefly Modifications: The Firefly’s unique features, such as the extended gun mantlet and the repositioned radio (mounted at the back of the turret to accommodate the long gun), are accurately represented, adding historical authenticity.
• Detailed Cast Hull and Turret Textures: The kit replicates the cast steel texture of the Sherman’s hull and turret, complete with weld seams and rivet details, enhancing the model’s realistic look.
• Photo-Etched (PE) Parts: Includes PE parts for finer details such as engine grilles, light guards, and other thin components, adding accuracy and intricacy to the build.
• Individual Track Links: The model features individual track links for added realism, allowing for natural sag and a more accurate representation of the tank’s tracks.
• Clear Parts for Periscopes and Lights: Clear plastic parts are provided for the tank’s periscopes and headlights, adding depth to these components and enhancing the overall appearance of the model.
• Open or Closed Hatch Options: The kit includes options to build the tank with hatches open or closed, offering display flexibility and the potential to add crew figures.
• Detailed Suspension System: Ry Field Model includes a highly detailed suspension, with accurately molded bogies, road wheels, and return rollers, capturing the unique look of the Sherman’s suspension system.
• Accessory Options: The kit comes with additional external stowage, including jerry cans, spare track links, and tools, allowing for personalization and adding to the battlefield appearance.
• Decal Options for Multiple Units: The kit provides decals for several British units that operated the Firefly, offering flexibility for modelers to customize the markings based on historical references.

The Rye Field Model 5038 British Sherman VC Firefly is an excellent kit for modelers who appreciate the unique history and role of the Sherman Firefly in WWII. With its accurate features, detailed parts, and customizable options, this kit brings the iconic British tank to life, making it a fantastic addition to any collection of WWII armor.

Sherman VC Firefly:

The Sherman VC Firefly was a British modification of the American M4 Sherman tank, developed during World War II to give Allied forces a powerful answer to heavily armored German tanks, such as the Panther and Tiger. Fitted with the British 17-pounder anti-tank gun, the Firefly became one of the most effective Allied tank-killers of the war, combining the mobility and reliability of the Sherman with greatly enhanced firepower. The Firefly played a critical role during the Normandy invasion and the subsequent Allied advance through Western Europe, proving a potent threat to German armor.

Design and Armament

The British modified the M4 Sherman tank to accommodate the QF 17-pounder (76.2 mm) anti-tank gun, a powerful weapon capable of penetrating up to 140 mm of armor at 500 meters with standard armor-piercing rounds. This was significantly more effective than the original 75 mm Sherman gun, which struggled against German heavy tanks. To install the much larger 17-pounder in the Sherman’s turret, British engineers had to turn the gun sideways to fit within the limited space. Additionally, the rear of the turret was extended to provide room for the larger ammunition, and a new, larger counterweight was added to balance the gun.

The Firefly’s powerful armament allowed it to engage German tanks at longer ranges than standard Shermans, giving it a crucial advantage in combat. However, the gun’s large muzzle flash and slower rate of fire compared to the standard Sherman cannon were drawbacks. Despite these limitations, the Firefly proved effective against even the formidable Tiger I and Panther tanks.

Armor and Survivability

The Sherman VC Firefly retained the same basic armor and structure as the standard Sherman, with up to 76 mm of frontal armor and thinner side armor. While effective against small arms and shrapnel, this armor was not sufficient against high-velocity anti-tank guns or German tank guns, making the Firefly vulnerable if exposed in direct combat. To counteract this vulnerability, Firefly crews often used “hull-down” positions, where only the turret was exposed, allowing them to engage the enemy from more protected stances.

Operational Role and Legacy

The Sherman VC Firefly first saw action in Normandy in 1944, where it quickly proved its worth against German armor. Fireflies were typically mixed within standard Sherman units, with each squadron containing a few Fireflies to provide increased firepower. This allowed Allied forces to match German tanks while maintaining the maneuverability and reliability of Sherman formations. The Firefly’s presence often forced German tank commanders to approach engagements with caution, knowing that a single well-placed Firefly shot could disable even their heaviest vehicles.

The Sherman VC Firefly’s success was due to its strategic use as a tank destroyer within existing tank formations, and it became a symbol of Allied innovation. Its role in weakening German armored divisions during the Allied advance helped pave the way to victory in Western Europe. The Firefly’s legacy as an effective solution to German heavy armor continues to be recognized as a remarkable adaptation, showcasing British ingenuity and Allied cooperation.