To support the infantry through the minefields on the ground operation in Europe and the Pacific , US military engineers decided to modify the Sherman, which was not only used by US forces, but also by the British, Canadian and Free French forces. The Sherman Crab saw first-service with British forces (79th Armored Division) before the U.S. Army received its initial examples. The Sherman-based Crab became the most widely-used mine flail tank of the entire war. The tank's original drivetrain was proved capable for the Crab/Sherman mating and the tank was further allowed to retain its useful turret - thus its offensive capabilities were left largely untouched. The flail unit did extend the overall length of the vehicle considerably which limited its turning radius as well as ditch-crossing ventures. Regardless, this sacrifice was worth the return-of-investment as mine fields could be dealt with ahead of the main supporting force through this cost-effective measure. Sherman Crabs were deployed during the Allied advances of 1944-1945 in Western Europe. These Airfix model kits will require paints and glue to complete. Scale 1:76 Skill 2 Number of Parts 72 Dimensions (mm) L120 x W51 Age Suitability 8+ Deluxe Materials Plastic Magic Cement 40ml (AD83) Plastic Magic Cement is a thin, liquid plastic cement with a 10-15 sec adjustment time & non-clog action. It is non-toxic, non-flammable, has minimal odour and almost zero emissions when compared to competitors.