firefly:
first off, welcome to the dark side !
Extratech or the MMS white metal kit r the way 2 go on this one, i think...
the Hat kit (released under the Armourfast name) is a very simplified kit designed as a quick build for wargamers, and probably has about 8 pieces total ( going by the sherman m4 i've already done)...
i've seen the extratech kit available online at www.squadron.com.
good luck with ur search, abd ur build !
and it's nice 2 see another small scale builder around here !
happy thanksgiving !
frosty