Here are some comparisons with the real
tank. There are so many variations of the M4 Sherman that it is
very difficult to find one that is a perfect match. Each matches
several characteristics but not others. This example has the right
gun and plate hull, but the wrong suspension and track style. It
also has no side skirt at all so the side looks a little different.
This example has the right gun, plate hull, suspension, and tracks so it is pretty close. The skirt doesn't match though since it has the vertical extensions to protect the tracks.
So close. This example has the right suspension, hull, skirt, and tracks, but the wrong gun. This appears to be the late model 76mm cannon.
This one might actually be right. The gun, hull, tracks, suspension, and skirt all look right.
In case there was any question as to how much detail Tamiya put into their scale models, even the casting mark was represented. Similar casting marks are present on the turret and hull.