A new source of 1/76-scale models for WWII miniatures gamers is the English firm of Lesney Products and Co. Ltd, whose trade name is "Matchbox" - well known for the little metal toy cars.

The first model in their line to come our way is the Sherman "Firefly". This was a standard American M4 Sherman medium tank which the British modified by replacing the M3 75m gun with the much more powerful British 17 pounder anti- tank gun and removing the bow machine gun and gunners seat to provide room for more ammunition. The model bears no resemblance to the Matchbox toy cars but is plastic, of the conventional assemble-it-yourself type. Matchbox is obviously out to muscle in on Airfix's market.

The price is exactly the same as that for Airfix's cheaper models. There are fewer pieces than in a comparable Airfix kit. This may be a disappointment for model collectors, who want maximum detail, but is a plus to wargamers, who are satisfied with a reasonably realistic model and want to spend a minimum amount of time on the assembly. In this respect the Matchbox line appears to be about halfway between the extremes of Fujimi (for detail) and Edai (for quick-assembly).

Along with the tank the kit also includes a "diorama" base which looks like one end of a bombedout stone bridge, and decals offering a choice between the markings of the 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards, Normandy. June 1944, or 2nd Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, Rhineland, 1945. The model certainly seems adequately realistic to me - at least for wargaming purposes -- and the vehicle represented is a welcome addition to any WWII wargamer's armoury. It gives the Allies something with which they can take on Tigers and Panthers with something like an even chance.

Other models expected from Matchbox soon are the British A-34 Comet MkI. German Panther G, German Panzer IIIL, British Humbar MkII armored car, German Puma armored car, German Wespe SP howitzer, US M-24 Chaffee light tank, and the German Jagdpanther tank destroyer. With the exception of the Panther these are all new to 1/76 scale, and the PzIII and JagdPanther will be most welcome additions!

The Matchbox Sherman Firefly is available now from the Toy Soldier, Searsport. ME 04974. Send $1.00 for their entire catalog of miniatures and games at discount prices.

Thumbnail Analysis Mini-Reviews

The Battle of Helm's Deep Game Review.
Battle of Five Armies Game Review.
Matchbox 1/76 Sherman Firefly Miniature Review.
GHQ Additions Miniature Review.
Eagle Day Game Review.