DR6183: M4A3E8 Thunderbolt VII
1/35 injection plastic kit with multimedia accessories and decals

Thunderbolt VII was General Creighton Abrams’, last tank during WWII and was with him in Germany during the Spring of 1945. Thunderbolt VII was an M4A3E8 ‘Sherman’ and had the characteristic flat front plate and Ford V8 petrol engine of the M4A3, while the E8 denotes the horizontal volute spring suspension (HVSS), which is often known as "Easy 8". Thunderbolt VII also had the 76mm gun with muzzle break and the wider T66 cast track links. In this kit the HVSS has several improvements including Dragon Magic Tracks and optional workable bogy assemblies.

Thunderbolt VII is Dragon’s latest addition to its growing range of Shermans and in particular of Abrams’ varying Thunderbolt tanks. As expected the kit contains a combination of new tooling and parts from recent Dragon Sherman kits, as well as several metal parts including an early production barrel and photo etch. Importantly this kit has addressed many of the shortcomings of earlier Sherman kits, including Dragon’s earlier rendition of the M4A3E8. This kit, which has over 540 parts benefits from the use of slide-molding, optional photo etch and research, evident in features such as the raised weld beams on the upper hull. The gatefold instructions have 12 steps of line drawings that are well laid out.

Turret
For the turret there is the choice of either an early or late T23 turret shell, the late having the smaller oval shaped loader’s hatch. Both patterns have a large turret shell with visible surface casting texture and are modern toolings that have numerous features and contour improvements over earlier kits. On both shapes all hatches can be assembled open or closed and there are separate crisply molded parts are provided for the cupola, pistol ports, aerial mount, mantlet, periscopes, lifting points, ventilator covers, turret base etc. Features include the clear vision block and the rain-guard lip around the commander's and loader's (early only) hatches. The mantlet has the casting numbers on it and is crisply defined. The 0.5 inch Browning machinegun is nicely defined with a hollowed our muzzle and a three-part ammo box, while for Thunderbolt VII there is also a new 0.3 inch machinegun which Abrams’ tank had fitted in front of the commander’s cupola.

For the 76mm barrel, there is the choice of an injection plastic tube or a turned metal tube, both of which go with the injection plastic muzzle break.

Hull
The main upper hull is one large piece that features the raised weld beams and is mated to a new one piece lower hull tub which has the sponsons and return roller mounts molded in place. Separate parts are provided for the hatches on the engine deck, lamp guards, mudguards, side fenders, barrel lock, lower front glacis, exhaust deflector, final drive housing, and numerous small details. The hatches to the engine can be left open which opens up much diorama potential, although you will need to add an aftermarket engine. The tools have the clasps molded on and while satisfactory, could benefit from PE.

This HVSS bogies are all new, multipart, and with the optional metal springs and can be made workable (just take care). Hollow metal cylinders are also provided for the upper horizontal tubes. The rubber tyres are separate parts, which offers flexibility for painting. There is a choice of two patterns of drive sprockets, namely the ‘fancy smooth’ and the 'solid simple plate', both of which have been retooled for this release.

The tracks are the single-pin T66 cast track links. These links are Dragon Magic tracks being pre-cut individual links which can be snapped together before you apply glue when fitting them to the kit. As the inks come loose no clean up is necessary although many modelers may wish to remove the 4 small sink marks on the inner faces.

The PE fret contains the front mudguards, side fenders and three parts for the 0.30 inch MG mount.

Markings
A medium sized decal sheet by Cartograf is included containing markings for four US Army tanks from Europe in WWII. All four Shermans are plain olive drab base coat and are covered on the instruction sheet by three or four views. The markings covered are:

* “Thunderbolt VII”, 4th US Armored Division, Germany 1945. This was commanded by Abrams.
* A second tank from the 4th US Armored Division, Germany 1945
* 35th Tank Battalion 4th US Armored Division, Bastogne 1944. The Ardennes saw the first combat use of the M4A3E8. The tank had black stars on the turret.
* 41st Tank Battalion, 11th US Armored Division, Germany 1945 named Flat-Foot-Floosie.
Recommendation

Thunderbolt VII, is a clear demonstration that Dragon is keen to have the best models of the Sherman’s in 1/35 scale. This kit includes moderns tooling and numerous improvements such as the detailed HVSS suspension and the Magic Tracks, which makes this an attractive kit that should be rewarding to assemble. Strongly recommended.

- Neville Lord

"... I highly recommend it whether you want to build Thunderbolt VII or any other M4A3E8 ..."

< full review here >
- Pat McGrath

"... another great effort from DML ..."

< full review here >
- Cookie Sewell