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Product Specifications. 7273, M4A1 Sherman Normandy. 1/72nd-scale styrene/multimedia kit, containing 111 styrene parts, four DS-100 track lengths, one photo-etched brass fret, four waterslide decal/markings schemes and six pages of instructions in nine steps.
Arguably the most important US medium tank of all time, the M4 series has, until recently, been ill-served as a kit in the smaller scales. DML has jumped into the production of 1/72nd-scale kits with both feet, primarily concentrating on several main subjects (mostly German WW2, naturallyˇK), with variations of the main type. So we have Pz.Kpfw.IV sub-types, T-34 sub-types, and finally, M4 sub-types, which began with the M4A3 76mm (wet) VVSS kit. The follow-on is the so-called "middle-style" M4A1 cast superstructure (I am still perplexed by the term "cast hull", but that's another story), with 75mm turret and "dry stowage".
For the first time in a kit in this series, DML is providing two sets of tracks in the usual DS-100 soft, gluable styrene. One is the T48 rubber chevron type (originally seen in the M4A3 kit), and the other is the T49 steel bar cleat type. Both are very nicely detailed and are more than adequate for this scale.
This consists of the heavy-duty VVSS type with straight return roller arms. The road-wheels are of the pressed type with six embossed spokes. Each unit comprises a total of four parts since the outer swing arms are part of the outer VVSS bogie, while each pair of road-wheels is molded integrally with the inner swing arms. Separate volute spring pairs are attached to the inner bogie and when all is assembled, a simple and robust, yet detailed suspension unit is the result. The idler wheels are attached to separate axles, while the two-piece drive sprockets (with "solid" outer toothed rings) are attached to the final drive units, which themselves are part of the hull/belly pan unit.
The hull pan comes from a relatively simple slide-mold, with detailed final drive units on each side and enclosed sponson bottoms, but no other plate or bolt detail. The belly has the correct pattern of stiffeners, various drain plugs, an escape hatch lid and an engine access hatch lid. The separate rear plate has the proper engine access door pattern as well as square air filters, fish-tail exhaust pipes, fillets and cable clevis mounting points; an etched brass screen fits beneath the superstructure overhang, while some other small fittings and the grab handle (I'd replace it with fine wire for a better appearance) are also provided in this medium. The standard type of tow hook (parts B-2 and B-8) is supplied but is "blued" as not for use, and it is not shown on the instructions. Use it if your particular tank has it. At the front end a very nicely-textured cast final drive housing with separate bolting strip is provided; it also has foundry numbers on the upper section and unlike that seen in the previous M4A3 kit, it fits perfectly with the proper relationship to the final drive housings. Well done DML!
This is the cast "dry stowage" version with the smaller hatches and no provision for direct-vision ports, so let's call it a "middle type". It is very nicely textured and includes the foundry symbol on the lower glacis area. Several tools are molded in place (axe, pry-bar, pick and handle), something I think should not be seen on a true 21st-Century kit, while several more (shovel, starter crank, sledgehammer and idler wheel adjustment wrench) are separate. A number of other delicately-molded detail parts are added to the main molding, including: lift rings, engine/grouser compartment vents (with etched screens), head- and tail-lamps (with optional etched or styrene brush guards), driver's and bow gunner's hatch lids (with etched details), bow machine-gun, siren (with a variation in its location as well as an etched brush guard), "mushroom" vent covers and nicely-textured cast engine intake grill cover. Separate front and rear fenders are given, with etched details for the front units. Finally, separate applique armor panels with the proper weld bead patterns for the type that fitted to the cast superstructure are provided for the sides.
The nicely-textured cast turret is made from a slide mold whose clever placement has allowed for the shell ejector port to be properly depicted in the open position; a separate lid is provided. Various lift rings as well as separate periscope heads and mounts are given for the roof and the commander's cupola hatch lid. A number of etched brass parts are given to depict the blade sight, periscope head brush guards, hatch lid fittings, machine gun travel lock and turret bustle storage straps. The commander's cupola has separate detailed lids as well as a separate periscope head. The gun mantlet is the M43A1 type with the full-width rotor shield, while the gun tube is pre-bored due to the use of a slide mold. The final item is a separate applique armor plate for the right "cheek" of the turret front.
For its size, this kit is very well-molded, featuring a number of very fine detail parts. No sink marks or ejector pin marks will be visible on any outside surface. Fit of the main parts is excellent. Engineering is first class as exemplified by the molding of the turret and the finesse of some of the smaller parts. However, some parts are very tiny and will require great care in their removal from the sprues as well as in their clean-up.
This kit ranks very highly in the accuracy department; I have no 1/72nd-scale plans to match it against, but visually nearly everything is where it should be and proportions look fine to the "Mk.1 Eyeball". While the details are also very well-represented, some things need attention, specifically the side of the hull where the suspension bogies mount. I sincerely think DML's designers have a phobia when it comes to antenna mounts for US vehicles; none are provided in any of their recent 1/35th-scale kits and none are provided here either! Likewise, some attempt should have been made to provide details for the backs of the idler wheels, since they will be seen by the sharp-eyed modeler (or contest judge!). Some detail items that are given, such as the gun tube travel lock, tow hook, .50 cal. MG (it will need scratch-built grips, mount, cradle, tray and ammo box; it's a shame DML did not include the complete gun) and some etched brass parts can be used, depending on the vehicle you plan to model.
The kit is relatively simple and so are the instructions. They are clearly drawn and broken down into nine main steps, each with sub-steps. Etched parts are represented in a yellow color, which is a nice touch; some other items such as tools and road-wheel rims are shown in their finished color as well. The painting instructions are in full-color, with paints called out using Testors or Gunze colors.
Waterslide decals from Italy's Cartograf are supplied for a total of four tanks, including:
Braille Scale modelers have wanted a "state-of-the-art" kit of the M4A1 for decades (I believe the only cast superstructure version is the old ESCI/Italeri kit, which was the later large hatch type); this latest DML offering will do quite nicely.
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