1/35 RFM M50 Mk2 Super Sherman (M4A4 Hull HVSS) Standard version

The M50 Super Sherman represents Israel's response to the need to upgrade the outdated Sherman tanks that formed the backbone of the IDF's armoured forces in the early decades of the state's existence. After the War of Independence (1948-1949), Israel acquired a significant number of Sherman tanks from various sources, but their original armament and performance were no longer sufficient to match the Soviet tanks supplied to the Arab states. Israeli engineers therefore began a modernization program that led to the development of several variants of the "Super Sherman". The M50 model was armed with the French 75mm CN 75-50 cannon with a high muzzle velocity, which greatly improved the anti-tank capabilities of the vehicle. The M4A4 hull with an extended engine and HVSS chassis with wider tracks provided better mobility and stability.

The M50 Super Sherman first proved its worth during the Suez Crisis in 1956, where it faced Soviet-made Egyptian tanks. It continued its combat career during the 1967 Six-Day War, when Israeli armored forcesachieved decisive victories in the Sinai, the Golan Heights and Judea and Samaria. Despite its World War II origins, the modernized Sherman was able to compete with more modern types in the hands of well-trained crews. Of interest to modelers, the M50 combines American basic construction, French armament, and Israeli operational modifications to create a visually and historically unique machine.

RFM's 1:35 scale kit depicts the Standard version with the distinctive M4A4 extended fuselage, HVSS chassis with wide tracks, and turret with French 75mm CN 75-50 gun. The model allows for detailed treatment of typical features such as external storage boxes, spare tracks, operational equipment and specific Israeli modifications. The 1:35 scale provides ample room for weathering techniques appropriate to the desert environment - dust, scuffs, faded paint and signs of heavy use. The kit is suitable for both stand-alone display and as part of a diorama depicting IDF combat operations during the Cold War. The package does not include the paint or adhesives needed for assembly.