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Kit,
DML 6548, M4 (105) Howitzer Tank
Product Specifications. 6548, M4 (105) Howitzer Tank. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 471 styrene parts (including 22 clear), one photo-etched brass fret, one length of braided metal wire, two DS-100 track lengths, three water-slide decal marking schemes and eight pages of instructions in 12 steps. Introduction. The 105mm howitzer was mounted on two M4 hull types: the radial engine-powered M4 and the Ford-powered M4A3. These were also later hull types, with the smooth 47-degree glacis plate and later large driver and co-drivers hatch lids. DML has already kitted one variant: the M4A3 (105) with the HVSS suspension systems. This sub-family has now grown with DML adding the M4 (105) with the VVSS suspension system. There are some improvements in this kit, notably a re-tooled rotor shield of the proper width for the main gun. DML has also included the .50 cal. M2 heavy machine-gun in one incarnation of Gen2-based parts. New, well-researched markings are also supplied, making this release quite appealing, especially for modelers who have a passion for the ETO in WW2. Tracks. These are composed of two lengths of DS100 material, molded in soft styrene, which can be fixed together using standard styrene cement. They represent T48 rubber chevron types with extended end connectors (Duckbills). The detail is typical of tracks molded in this fashion: crisp and accurate. DMLs use of a slide-mold allows for particularly well-rendered end-connector detail. The modeler is advised to ensure that the idler wheel axle (a separate part) is doing its job, so the tracks are properly tensioned, before fixing it in place. Suspension System. This kits VVSS suspension system is the later version, consisting of the heavy-duty type bogie trucks with the up-swept support roller bracket. The track skids are separate and have a fairly thin profile; four mounting bolts should be added and enough are given in the kit on the adjacent sprues. These are designated as not for use and are left out in the instructions; use them. The return roller brackets also need two bolts added but these must be sourced elsewhere. On my M4-based projects I use hex-shaped styrene rod from Plastruct, sliced salami-style using Northwest Scale Lines The Chopper 2. The main bogie trucks are detailed with casting texture and seams as well as foundry numbers; they only need four small holes drilled on their forward faces to be as complete as can be. There are two styles of road-wheels given: stamped with six spokes and welded with five spokes. The stamped wheels have separate backs and both styles feature properly-placed grease nipples and relief valves. The drive sprockets are provided in three styles: two open types and one solid plate type. The idler wheels are also given in two styles: stamped with six spokes and welded with six spokes. Because of the sprue layouts, there are also bogie trucks included that have the straight return roller arms. These will come in handy for the ever-expanding Sherman spares bin. Hull. The
hull pan consists of the belly plate, both sides, and the sponson
floors molded as a single unit, from This
front end is then fitted with a nicely textured, cast sharp-nose transmission
cover, complete with The hull rear plate is a separate item; there are two of these, one of which is not for use. The differences are that one has separate access hatch lids (with separate grab-handle and two styles of hatch lids); the other does not and is, according to the instructions, not for use. A three-part trailer hitch and a pair of two-part tow hooks are also given. The exhaust pipes are made up of four parts with properly-slotted fish-tail pipe ends, while a pair of square air filter boxes (each made from five parts) is also included. There are separate fillets that enclosed the upper hull where it overhangs the sponsons when meeting the rear plate. The final items back there are the multi-part idler wheel mounts and their separate axles. Remember not to fix the last items in place without first testing for proper track tension. Upper Hull/Superstructure. The upper hull/superstructure part, like all of the most recent DML M4-series kits, has the weld seams properly raised above the armor plate surfaces; there are no more trenches to be laboriously re-worked. The area around the crew hatch lids is a casting, so it has foundry numbers and subtle texture; the latter can be enhanced using the modelers method of choice. The superstructure assembly has a number of separate parts, several of which are new. These include new engine deck plates with a modified filler cap layout. A separate air intake vent cover is fitted to the forward plate, beneath which is an etched brass screen. Separate grouser vent covers have etched brass screens, while the gas, oil and water filler caps are separate (with detailed filler points). The tail-lamps are clear parts, which are protected by either styrene or etched brass brush guards. Other items that are added are lift rings and a mushroom vent cover. Nicely-rendered tools are provided and they include etched brass straps and tie-down points. To fit the tools, the modeler must open up the appropriate mounting holes on the superstructure part, as shown in the instructions. New gun tube bore swab staffs and their racks are provided. Wound wire cable, etched brass clamps and styrene ends allow for the construction of a very convincing tow cable. The final items that are attached to the superstructure sides are the etched brass sand shield mounting strips and the two front fenders. The former consist of four parts per side, while the latter are two parts each. A nice touch is that, where applicable, spot-weld beads are visible on the sand shield mounting strips. Up front, the driver and co drivers hatch lids are multi-part assemblies, with separate clear periscope heads, rotator plates, scope head covers and nicely-molded styrene brush guards. There are two pairs of hatch lids, one of which is not for use. It is rather odd that the hatch lids deemed useless are the ones configured for separate (included) lift handles. The U-shaped vent opening seen between the two hatch lids is included; it is complimented by a three-part etched brass screen and cover. On the glacis plate, various fittings, such as lift rings, clear styrene head-lamps, horn (on the clear sprue, so dont overlook it!), brush guards in styrene or etched brass and the gun travel lock are then fitted. The last item has separate mounts, so the instructions need to be referred to for precise placement. The bow-mounted .30 cal. machine gun is from a slide mold, so it includes a perforated barrel cooling jacket and a pre-opened bore. The molded-on upper hull rear plate receives a multi-part stowage rack, with optional etched brass parts, as well as two multi-part spare track shoe stowage racks. The final item back there is an engine starter crank, with etched brass mounting straps and brackets. Turret. The upper turret shell comes from a slide mold and therefore has the pistol port opening molded in place. There is a mold seam in that area which must be removed. A separate lid for the port, as well as the actuation rod is provided. The gunners side of the turret features the cast-in thickened cheek armor, with the lower edge blended in to the remaining surface; this is a correct variation. Some work with a knife and files will result in a sharp, non-faired lower edge. The turret has a nice cast texture but there are no foundry numbers or symbols given. When fixing the upper and lower turret shells, it must be remembered that the resulting seam, after a bit of work by the modeler, should simulate a casting seam, not a weld bead. Adding texture to the turret using your favorite goop, and Archers casting symbols where appropriate, will go a long way towards improving this item, for very little added effort. Nearly all of the turret fittings are separate parts. These include gunners sight cover with its clear styrene periscope head, as well as rotating periscope mounting plates and their covers with separate clear scope heads. Delicate styrene brush guards for the scope heads are complimented with a styrene commanders vane sight. Both mushroom vents are provided, with the rear one being a separate part so the turret can be used to create the type that did not mount the 105mm howitzer. The rear vent also has the unique pintle and mount for the .50 cal. M2 HMG; the M2 is now provided and it is the best rendition yet from DML. The .50 cal. includes pre-bored muzzle, proper cooling jacket perforations and detailed receiver, all of which are the result of the use of a slide-mold. Separate grips, receiver cover, properly-placed separate cocking lever, two types of pintles and two types of ammunition boxes complete the assembly. Other details include an excellent search-light and base, US antenna mount and base plates, as well as various MG stowage brackets and lift rings. The commanders vision cupola has clear styrene parts for the view ports and periscope head, as well as separate hatch lid and lift handle. The inner disk on the hatch lid is separate and can be left to rotate. The later split hatch cupola is complete with separate periscope mounting plates, clear styrene scope heads, and hatch lids with foundry parts numbers molded in place (along with the lift handle). The separate loaders hatch lid includes a separate lift handle, internal detail and no ejector pin marks. It should be noted that 4th AD and 7th AD M4s, called out in the painting and markings section of the instructions, had the split hatch cupola. The 105mm main gun tube is represented by a slide-molded styrene part. The mantlet and rotor shield parts are nicely textured and include foundry casting numbers; when complete the gun can elevate. The rotor shield has been re-tooled and now is properly wide enough. The mounting strips for the dust cover are provided as five separate parts, all with distinctly-rendered studs. Molding, Fit and Engineering. 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, so I cannot comment on dimensional accuracy. The main bits are in the proper places, while angles and proportions have the proper look. Instructions. The instructions are short and busy, and are presented in the usual drawn style. As always, I recommend that the modeler approach with caution! Decals and Markings Information. Water-slide decals by Cartograf of Italy are provided for three different tanks. As usual, they are crisply printed, have sharp edges and thin, closely cropped carrier film. The markings depict: 8th
Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, Normandy 1944; painted overall
OD, with sand splinter camouflage pattern. The markings for the tanks from the 4th Armored Division and the 7th Armored Division check out well with photos in the cited references; neither, however, has extended end connectors on its T48 rubber chevron tracks and both feature the split-hatch lid commanders cupola. Note that the 4th AD tank should also have the broken white bar on the engine access hatch lids on the hull rear plate; there are enough of these included, so use them. The 3rd AD M4 is as generic as they came and shows no markings at all. All registration numbers and bumper codes come as individual characters (except for the six complete USA segments); they must be assembled by the modeler. There are sufficient USA segments to allow for three complete vehicles to be marked. Conclusion. This is a well-done rendition of the late M4, filling an important gap in Sherman coverage. It is well-molded, goes together nicely and appears to be substantially accurate. Its few vices are extremely minor and easily fixed. -
Frank V. De Sisto Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ¡¥39-¡¥45 Series Kit Number 6548; M4 (105) Howitzer Tank; 582 parts (490 in grey styrene, 67 etched brass, 22 clear styrene, 2 DS plastic track runs, 1 twisted steel wire); estimated price US$49.99 via Dragon USA Online
Advantages: heavily reworked kit fixes many early 105mm turret problems; many new parts; one-piece DS track runs
Disadvantages: Nothing major noted
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: For all US WWII and Korean War fans as well as ¡§Shermaholics¡¨
Originally the US Army allocated direct support howitzer weapons at the rate of three per tank battalion in the form of either halftracks or M7 "Priest" HMC vehicles. But as the war progressed and units were called on to carry out direct support at small arms ranges, the decision was made to switch to mounting a small 105mm howitzer in the M4 chassis.
Externally these tanks looked just like a normal Sherman with the exception of the different mantelet and rotor assembly and of course the thick, stubby gun barrel. Internally the tanks were rearranged, and while initial production models with the VVSS suspension did not have power traverse it was quickly reintroduced after complaints from the field. Also, early tanks had the old split-cover hatch for the commander with the new oval loader¡¦s hatch. Due to priority for the so-called ¡§vision¡¨ cupola to go to the ¡§gun¡¨ tanks, it was not until the summer of 1944 that the howitzer tanks began to receive them. Photographic evidence is hard to evaluate, as it appears in some cases either an early tank was updated or a later one swapped out the vision cupola for the split-hatch version as tanks with a variety of features can be seen in photos.
Later production tanks had the new HVSS suspension, and the last group to be built also added fittings for a canvas mantelet cover along with that cover. The Marine Corps in the Pacific also had a modified version that added a flamethrower, dubbed the POA-CWS-H5. In Korea, the USMC used both that vehicle and a regular M4A3 (105mm) but also fitted with an M1A1 dozer blade.
The US Army took delivery of 1,641 M4 (105mm) (800 with VVSS and 841 with HVSS) tanks and the UK received 593 M4 (105mm) tanks.
An earlier DML M4A3 (105) kit came with HVSS (No. 6354) but was noted as having a mantlet which copied the 1/72 scale kits¡¦ too narrow mantlet, which was a shame as it threw off the proportions of the turret. This kit of the earlier variant now comes with a correctly scaled mantlet (e.g. 29.4 mm wide), so the older option of either buying an after-market item or borrowing one from the elderly DML POW-H5 flamethrower tank is no longer needed.
This kit comes with a new mold upper hull and parts from the M4 Pacific Theater of Operations and M4 Direct Vision kits as appropriate. New equipment rails and first-aid kit come with the turret. The turret has the ¡§bulge¡¨ on the right front but there is a small seam which will need to be addressed. All of the periscopes and their mounts are separate parts as well.
Both the split hatch and vision hatch commander¡¦s cupolas are provided as is the nicely done DML M2HB AA machine gun with ¡§Slide Molded¡¨ muzzle. All viewers are clear styrene, as are all lights.
This kit now comes with a relatively complete selection of suspension components, offering both the ¡§flat top/riser¡¨ and ¡§lifted¡¨ return roller mountings, separate track skids with bolt details, and a choice of either ¡§spoke¡¨ or ¡§cast¡¨ style welded wheels. It also offered both ¡§machined¡¨ and ¡§smooth¡¨ types of driver tooth rings. Single-piece T48 track with extended end connectors are also provided as DS Plastic parts.
Technical assistance was provided by Pawel Krupowicz.
The kit provides markings for three tanks: 8th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, Normandy 1944 (tactical markings with two-tone camouflage); 31st Armored Regiment, 7th Armored Division, Normandy 1944 (OD with white stars, B-19); and HQ company, 32nd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division, Belgium 1945 (whitewash over OD). A ¡§number jungle¡¨ and set of targeted decals from Cartograf are included.
Overall this is a nice kit, and in this case it is reassuring that DML does listen to complaints and suggestions to improve their kits.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue
breakout: - Cookie Sewell Copyright 1998-2010 Dragon Models Limited. All Rights Reserved |