First in a series of posts introducing the tank models available to ArmCom players in the Patton’s Best campaign. All models of M4 tank available in this campaign are armed with a co-axial, bow, and anti-aircraft machine gun.
M4 medium Tank – Turret A
Available: Entire campaign
Normal Main Gun Ammunition Load: 89
Ready Rack Size: 8
This is the model of tank assigned to players who select the ‘strict’ tank replacement campaign setting. Same front armour compared to a Panzer IV but better side armour. Main gun is 75mm. No Loader hatch, so it’s more difficult for him to spot and bail out, no smoke mortar or vision cupola for the commander.
M4 Medium Tank – Turret B
Available: Entire campaign
Normal Main Gun Ammunition Load: 89
Ready Rack Size: 8
Same as Turret A above but with the addition of an oval Loader hatch and a smoke mortar that can be fired by the Loader.
M4 Medium Tank – Turret C
Available: From November 1944 to end of campaign
Normal Main Gun Ammunition Load: 89
Ready Rack Size: 8
Same as Turret B above but includes a vision cupola for the Commander, improving his spotting ability and fire direction while buttoned up. This combination of hull and turret model is quite rare.
M4A1 Medium Tank – Turret A
Available: Entire campaign
Normal Main Gun Ammunition Load: 83
Ready Rack Size: 8
The M4A1 was approved later than the M4 but produced earlier; not all factories in the USA had the ability to cast pieces large enough for the M4A1’s hull. Has significantly better front hull armour than the M4, but the different hull shape means slightly smaller ammo storage.
M4A1 Medium Tank – Turret B
Available: Entire campaign
Normal Main Gun Ammunition Load: 83
Ready Rack Size: 8
Same as Turret A above but with an oval loader hatch and a smoke mortar.
M4A1 Medium Tank – Turret C
Available: From November 1944 to end of campaign
Normal Main Gun Ammunition Load: 83
Ready Rack Size: 8
Same as Turret B above but with a vision cupola for the Commander. This combination of hull and turret model is quite rare.