| The complete title for
this item on the packaging is "75mm Sherman
"Mid Production" Low Bustle Turret with
applique armour and pistol port". The techincal
designation for this turret is Part Number D50878, which
is the designation for the low-bustle turret design. The
turret received a new part number with the high-bustle
design. There were several modifications made to the
turrets throughout its production, most of which were
applied to both turret shapes. The particular combination
of features that merits the "mid-production"
label here is the M34A1 gun mount and rotor, the lack of
a loader's hatch, the addition of the applique armor on
the front right turret cheek, and the presence of the
pistol port. This particular piece was based on an early Dragon turret, but with several improvements. There are very fine casting numbers added to several surfaces, as well as some tie down bars on the turret rear. Realistic welds have been added to the applique armor, a vane sight was added next to the gunner's periscope, and an opening for the 2-inch smoke mortar was added to the left-front of the loader's periscope. The quality of the improvements and the casting is superb. There are no air bubbles or other imperfections in the casting, only some careful trimming will be needed to remove the casting plug. The pistol port hatch is provided in white metal. It's a beautiful piece.
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