Tank, in your mod...what will be you're limitations? Are you only modifying the exterior, when you get it that is? Dan's mod to the suspension is of course is to get a more realistic action of the VSS (vertical volute suspension) The Tamiya has the HVSS (Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension) which is sometimesmodifiedusing the Mato VSS, because this type of Sherman wasn't produced in high quantities or highly used. You really, really need to pay close attention to what ever you do to either or. There are differences to each Sherman that aren't thatnoticeableto the untrained eye, but when it's pointed out....it's drastically different as Dan has educated me on more than one occasion. Once you decide on the tank you intend to replicate, then some one here will tell you which Sherman would be best to start with....because it may cost or be more challenging to start with a Mato Sherman on some modifications vs going with the Tamiya.