USMC M4A3 Iwo Jima SHERMANS. Is this the right direction?

(I also posted this on missing lynx)

Having built mostly Modern Armor, I am not sure what I am getting into regarding Shermans.

I have come to the conclusion that the Harper Squadron book is the most accurate book on the tanks used on Iwo. Concord's book identifies the tanks of 4th and 5th tank BN as M4A2 when in fact they were M4A3's. (right?)

Which brings me to some questions regarding building an accurate Iwo Jima 4th Tank BN M4A3.

Can I use the high bustle turret with the raised, single hatched TC cupola from the Dragon M4A2 late PTO kit and place it on the Dragon M4A3 Premier kit hull?. (I can also use the T54 Duckbill tracks from the M4A2 kit)

I will use Hard Corps models wood and concrete side armor with a fuel drum from the Academy M3A1 Stuart for the water storage tank on the rear.

What Eduard P.E. set has the screens for the hatch covers?

I seem to remember seeing diagrams on how to scratch build the wading trunks for the M4A3, anyone remember where? If not is there a good resin version,? I will need the bottom half of the rear trunk.

Last but not least, were there any exterior differences between the M4A3 Gun tanks and the Flame Tanks? (The barrels look exactly the same to me)

Any information or comments are welcome.


Gunner Mike

Temecula Valley Model Club
"Haud Sceptrum, Haud Sentio, Haud Forsit