Reply To: I request the wisdom of the Tankers here!

[a27cromwell 3212xp 1]

The Russians only got the M4A2 diesel engine Sherman  , about 2000 with the 75mm and 2100 with the 76mm gun . Rule of thumb ( post D Day ) was most units  got Shermans with the same engine type for ease of supply of parts and fuel  ( ammo wasn’t a problem it seemed  ). So you would see units with both M4 & M4A1 ( both with the radial engine ) , or the twin  diesel M4A2  ,   the M4A3 ( V8 gas ) , favored by the Yanks  , and the Commonwealth got the M4A4  five engine multi bank . And while the Yanks thought it was a mechanical nightmare  to repair , the Brits loved it .