DRAGON MODELS LIMITED

Product Specifications.

6183, M4A3E8 "Thunderbolt VII". 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 435 styrene parts (including18 clear parts), 18 metal parts, one turned aluminum gun tube, one photo-etched brass fret with 11 parts, four water-slide decal marking schemes and eight pages of instructions in 12 steps.

Introduction.

Kit manufacturers have long known that aside from "German sells", there are other segments of the modeling community that continue to drive the industry; "Sherman sells" too! Therefore, major manufacturers like Tamiya, Italeri, Academy and Dragon Models Limited have all released variations; nearly every major type is available in 1/35th-scale styrene, with DML promising to fill the last few gaps quite soon. One gap has been due to the lack of a properly-engineered M4A3 (76mm) with the HVSS suspension system; this gap has now officially been closed.

Tracks.

These consist of newly-molded T66 single pin all-steel tracks. Each link comes out of a multi-part, or "slide"-mold, which allows for maximum detail. For instance, all the fine bolt openings as well as the hollow guide horns are properly-rendered. Each link is held together with its neighbors (quite tenuously, actually) by friction; it will be essential for the modeler to use cement to keep them "manageable" during their final fitting. Each link has four subtle ejector pin marks as well as a miniscule pip that will need attention; all are above the surface and will go away with some knife work.

Suspension System.

The brand-new Horizontal Volute Suspension System (HVSS) is a wonder to behold. To begin with, the wheels and tires are separate parts, which will make painting the tires much easier; it also allows for a realistic seam on the tire's outer surfaces. The idler wheels are configured the same way; all wheels have details on both faces. The suspension units are designed so that they will articulate; metal springs and brass tubing is provided to facilitate the process. To get an idea of how complex the break-down of the units really are, one only needs to know that each consists of almost 30 parts. Detail is rather extensive and includes Ordnance Department parts numbers cast on where appropriate.

The return rollers are broken down into inner and outer halves (where needed) and have the sprue points situated at their rims. This will ease clean-up considerably. There are separate mounts for them, but they are not for use since the new hull pan has them molded in place. The idler wheel mounts have separate axles to help in properly fitting the tracks; don't fix them in place until you are satisfied with the look of your tracks. There are new final drive parts as well as multi-part drive sprockets; a choice of "solid" or "open" drive tooth rings are given.

Hull.

The hull pan consists of the belly plate, both sides and the sponson floors molded as a single unit, from a slide-mold. As mentioned above, the mounts for the return rollers are molded in place as is the detail on the belly plate. This includes the escape hatch, various ribs, drain plugs, engine access plate and other details. The side walls to which the final drive housings are attached are also molded in place. This area then receives a nicely textured cast "sharp-nose" transmission cover, complete with separate tow shackle attachment points. For the first time ever, the exhaust pipe for the "Little Joe" auxiliary motor is given for fitting under the sponson.

The rear plate (there are two of these, not counting the parts for the 'A2) is a separate item, to which two-part fish-tail exhaust pipes are then attached. Two types of baffle/deflector units are included as well as the usual tow hook and its mount, "U"-bolts and their mounts, and finally, idler wheel axle housings.

Superstructure.

The superstructure is newly-tooled and finally has the weld seams properly-rendered; no more trenches to be laboriously re-worked. The area around the crew hatch lids is a casting, so it does have foundry numbers but no texture; this can be added using the method of choice. The superstructure assembly has a number of separate parts, including: engine deck plate, access hatch lids and vent covers; gas, oil and water filler caps (with detailed filler points); driver and co driver's hatch lids (with separate clear periscope blocks, rotator plates, lids and brush guards) and various fittings (lift rings, head-and tail-lamps, horn, brush guards, gun travel lock), including a .30 cal. machine gun with pre-opened bore. Note that although the rear plate is slotted to carry spare track block holders for the VVSS suspension system, these are not appropriate for this tank. Keep these as spares and fill the four slots back there. The instructions list these parts as "not for use" which is fine, but they don't tell the modeler to fill the slots. You have been warned. On the other hand, the modeler is properly instructed to remove the protrusions inside the rear plate, so the superstructure will properly fit the hull pan.

Nicely-rendered tools (the modeler must open up the appropriate mounting holes on the superstructure part) and the stowage rack for the rear plate finish up the basic assembly. There are applique armor plates for the superstructure sides as well as for the bow; these were only fitted to certain tanks, so references will prove to be handy. Note that for some reason, the bolts that attached the plate over the final drive housing are separate parts; they are tiny and it would have just as well for the modeler had they been molded in place. The final item that is attached to the superstructure sides are the etched brass fender sections and their styrene stiffeners. While well-rendered, there are problems with the pattern of the open holes to which the rarely-seen sand shields were attached; their locations are far too "regular" and do not match photographs. In addition, the styrene stiffening ribs have no specific locations given, although the instructions do show where they should be fitted; the overhead drawings in the painting section will also be of help in properly placing these parts.

The external "stops" for the engine access hatch lids are not included, while the small lift handles on the lids themselves are molded in place. Likewise, the lift handles for the two crewmen's hatch lids are also molded in place. This is the 21st-Century; these should be separate parts.

Turret.

As with most of the new generation of 76mm Shermans from DML, this kit allows the modeler to construct one of two types of T23 turret: the early type with split-hatch cupola for the loader, or the later type with small oval hatch lid for the loader. To do this two upper turret shells, as well as the pertinent detail parts are provided. The main upper and lower turret shells have nice cast texture as well as foundry casting symbols and Ordnance Department parts numbers. The pistol port hatch is molded in place and has been "enclosed"; if the modeler wishes to show the separate lid in the open position, some cutting of the enclosed area will be in order. Furthermore, when fixing the upper and lower turret shells, it must be remembered that the resulting seam should simulate a casting seam, NOT a weld bead.

Nearly all of the turret fittings are separate parts. These include gunner's sight and periscope mounting plates, lids and brush guards (with separate clear 'scope heads), vent, search-light, antenna mount base plates (but still NO US antenna mounts!!), various MG stowage brackets and lift rings. The commander's vision cupola has clear styrene parts for the view ports and periscope head, as well as separate lid and lift handle (why here and not on the driver's and co-driver's hatch lids?). The split hatch cupola is complete with separate periscope mounting plates, clear styrene 'scope heads, and hatch lids with parts numbers molded in place (along with the lift handle!).

The .50 cal. M2 heavy machine gun can be mounted on the tall pintle (for the oval-hatch turret) or the short one for the split-lid cupola. It is nicely done and includes a pre-opened bore thanks to the use of a slide mold. It has separate grips and a three-part ammo box/tray assembly, but lacks the prominent cocking handle on its side. The .30 cal. machine gun has a styrene mounting plate and an etched brass pintle. It is oddly "textured" and does not have any form of ammunition box; its bore is pre-opened using a slide mold.

The 76mm main gun can be built up from a styrene core with slide-molded styrene muzzle brake, or a turned aluminum core. The mantlet is nicely textured and includes casting numbers. Styrene applique armor "wings" are placed on each side of it, depending upon which version the modeler prefers to build.

Molding, Fit and Engineering.

Since the suspension bogies are the most complex items in this kit, I figured that there was as good a place as any to see what the engineering and fit was like. Well, these guys went together without any problem whatsoever. Just be careful with the springs, since if "launch" is initiated, they WILL achieve orbital velocity. There is also a glitch in the instructions; part Q-14 mounts opposite Q-13, NOT where shown being attached to Q-1. There are three places the modeler can stick a part, Q-13 and -14 go in the middle place (they are also "keyed") and will fit in only in that spot.

The remainder of the main parts fit very well, with no real surprises. Overall, detail is crisp, if in some places simplified (those pesky grab handles come to mind). There are no ejector pin marks on any visible surfaces and there was no parts shrinkage anywhere to be seen.

Accuracy.

I have no scale plans to compare this kit against (which, considering my reference library is really shameful…do any of you guys have a recommendation?), so I cannot comment on dimensional accuracy. The main bits are in the proper places and have the proper "look". Photos reveal that the suspension bogies are almost spot-on, with the volute spring units being compromised slightly; this is an extremely easy fix since it only requires a bit of sanding. It also appears that the road-wheel rim bolts are a bit undersized.

There are some missing bits such as US antenna mounts, cocking handle on the .50 cal. HMG and ammo box for the .30 cal external machine gun. The improper pattern for the sand shield mounting holes has already been noted; while we are on the subject of the etched brass parts in the kit, I believe that etched brush guards for the lights and periscope mounts would have been nice to have. Finally, the wound wire cable and styrene ends seen on some previous kits would have been "right at home" in this box as well.

Instructions.

The instructions are short and busy, and are presented in the usual drawn style. I mentioned one glitch in step one, as well as the fact that some filling needs to be done to the superstructure rear plate. References will be needed to determine which turret style your tank mounted, although as far as I could see, "Thunderbolt VII" and "Flat Foot Floosie" have the early type.

Decals and Markings Information.

Water-slide decals by Cartograf of Italy are provided for four different tanks. They are:

" "Thunderbolt VII", 37th Tk.Bn, 4th Armored Division, Germany 1945.
" "Flat Foot Floosie", 41st Tk.Bn., 11th Armored Division, Germany 1945.
" 35th Tk.Bn., 4th Armored Division, Bastogne, 1945.
" 4th Armored Division, Germany, 1945.

"Thunderbolt" and "Floosie" check against available information, although the former might have worn standard bumper codes. It is also nice to see "Floosie" properly named (now it makes sense!), since it was always thought to be "Flat Foot Floogle". The other two tank's markings are generic enough that they are fine as is.

Conclusion.

Although there are still a few little things that keep on bothering me about some of DML's new M4-based releases, at least they are trying! No other manufacturer has seriously undertaken the job of re-vamping their "Sherman line", except DML; what is given in this box shows that in no uncertain terms.

Highly recommended.

Frank V. De Sisto

References consulted for this review included, but were not limited to:

" "Sherman: A History of the US Medium Tank", Taurus, by R.P. Hunnicutt.
" "The Sherman at War", Concord 7001, by S. Zaloga.
" "The Sherman at War (2)", Concord 7036, by S. Zaloga.
" "US Tank Battles in Germany 1944-45", Concord 7046, by S. Zaloga.
" "The Battle of the Bullge", Concord 7045, by S. Zaloga.
" "The Sherman in US and Allied Service", Osprey Vanguard 26, by S. Zaloga.
" "US Armour Camouflage and Markings 1917-45", Osprey Vanguard 39, by S. Zaloga.
" "M4 (76mm) Sherman Medium Tank 1943-65", Osprey New Vanguard 73, by S. Zaloga.
" "Sherman in Action", Squadron 2016, by B. Culver.
" "Walk Around M4 Sherman", Squadron 5701, by J. Mesko.
" "M4 Medium (Sherman)", AFV Weapons Profile #29, by P. Chamberlain & C. Ellis.

Reviewer's note: Since May of 2005, I have been working on books for Concord Publications, a sister company to DML. The reader may wish to take this into consideration. For my part, I will attempt to maintain an objective viewpoint when writing these reviews.

- Frank De Sisto