Thanks for the information about the stars. FWIW, I came across a picture on The Google showing a newly built M3, M4, and M7 outside a plant in (I think) New Jersey. It was probably taken in 1942 or very early 1943. All three vehicles used similar suspensions and I think that was why the photo was taken. None of the vehicles had markings, but that was probably because they had not yet been inspected and accepted into government service. A consist of newly delivered vehicles on its way to Camp McCoy, WI, has a certain attraction and would fit in with my Milwaukee Road beer line. After all, beer and redlegs are a naturally occurring phenomenon.
On a more serious note, I agree about the 1:50 scale, but Solido is about the only game in town for artillery. Aside from the Atlantis models, the only other models I've come across are old Life Like models of M40 motor howitzers and 155mm Long Toms. They are 1:40 scale and are hard to find.
Jim
(1st Bn, 2nd FA, 8th Inf. Div., Baumholder, Germany, 1979-1982).
