The largest World War II tank battles took place in Europe, whether in the rugged terrain of the Mediterranean, densely populated Northwest Europe, or the open steppes of Russia. However, tanks also played an important role in the Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO). This was in spite of the challenges posed by factors like tropical jungles and small islands, or the small number of tanks fielded by Japan. Dragon is offering a fantastic new kit of an M4A2(W) Sherman of the type used by the USMC in the Pacific. The “W” in its nomenclature refers to its “wet stowage” (glycerine-protected) ammo stowage rackThe M4A2 was effectively used in assaults against dug-in Japanese defenders on many islands and atolls throughout the Pacific, as Allied forces inexorably advanced towards the Japanese mainland. One common feature found in contemporary wartime photos was wood planks mounted around the hull and suspension area to protect against Japanese anti-tank weapons and fanatical Japanese infantrymen intent upon attaching a magnetic mine. This new 1/35 scale M4A2(W) includes this most eye-catching feature, and the wood planks possess a realistic wood-grain texture. The kit also offers other completely new items, examples of which are a brand new turret and a turret-top MG mount and bracket. The engine deck is also new, and it is accurately shaped and detailed. For use in sandy or swampy conditions, this tank can roll on brand new one-piece T54E1 tracks with extenders that are made from DS. Main features include wood planks on upper hull sides and suspension, wood texture finely rendered, newly tooled turret with authentic details, new pedestal mount for machine gun, finely detailed bracket for MG barrel, new one-piece T54E1 VVSS tracks with track extenders, newly tooled engine deck with realistically detailed engine deck grill, optional headlight guard by photo-etched part reproduced in authentic shape, and Cartograf decal offering accurate markings.