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7304, M4A1(76)W HVSS. 1/72nd-scale injection-molded styrene/multimedia kit. Contains: 143 styrene parts, two lengths of DS tracks, 30 photo-etched brass parts, one piece of braided metal wire, five decal/marking schemes and six pages of instructions in seven steps.
Continuing to add to its line of M4-based kits in Braille Scale, DML has just released this later M4A1 with cast superstructure, large hatch lids and early-style T23 turret. This fills another gap in their line, with yet another widely-used type as seen in the ETO and MTO.
These are provided as one full length for each side, in nicely-molded DS soft styrene; this can be attached with normal Testors-type liquid styrene adhesive. The tracks represent the T48 rubber chevron type and are appropriately configured and well-detailed, especially considering their scale size.
These consist of nicely-designed later, heavy-duty Vertical Volute Suspension System (VVSS) units of the type with straight return roller arms and pressed steel road-wheels. These are uniquely-presented as complete outer bracket sides with track skid, return roller bracket and roller molded integrally. The inner bracket assembly includes the pressed steel wheel hubs, which are only detailed on their outer faces; that may not be so important in this scale, but if I was a dedicated 'Brailler, this feature might vex me. The idler wheels are the pressed type with six spokes while the drive sprockets are given as two options: "open" or "solid" teeth rings.
The one-piece hull pan is detailed on all sides as well as on the belly. The side walls contain the final drive housings, mounts for the suspension bogies and reinforcements for the idler wheel mounts. The belly plate features the correct configuration of access plates associated with the radial-engine M4/M4A1 series.
This is of the later cast type with the large hatch lids. It features very restrained texture and also has most of the tools molded in place; the tow cable holders are also molded in place but they are much too large. The cables themselves are nicely-represented using braided metal wire and styrene end loops. The cowl over the engine deck is separate and has cast texture, but it may be a bit overdone.
The turret is of the "early" T23 type that had the commander's all-around vision cupola to the right of the turret roof, flanked by the circular loader's split hatch cupola (with mount for the M2 .50 cal. heavy machine-gun). Each includes separate hatch lids, with opened periscope heads molded in place; these are complimented by separate covers for the 'scope heads. The entire assembly is based upon a slide-molded upper shell attached to a base with turret ring; the former having the opening for the loader's hatch opening molded nicely on the side. The lid for it is a separate part. The upper rear turret face includes the two angle-iron supports for the stowed .50 cal. M2 heavy machine-gun; these each have a fine rendition of the attached clamps that held it in place. The well-rendered mantlet can accept any one of three gun tube styles, all with pre-drilled bores due to the use of a slide molds. These include the 76mm M1A1/M1A1C/M1A2 with smooth tube, thread protector or muzzle brake.
DML has continued to tweak these kits, which is something that they (thankfully!) continue to pursue as (apparently) a "company policy" despite cries of, "why didn't they get it right to begin with?" The small detail parts are especially noteworthy; they are delicate and crisp so the modeler need not be "ashamed" for not using any of the alternate etched brass items. There were no ejector pin marks to be seen on any visible surface, including the interior surfaces of all hatch lids. No sink marks or flash was visible, while mold seams were delicate and easily cleaned as part of the normal assembly process.
The drawings seen in reference number 14 (yes, those older Osprey modeling books are still quite useful), indicate the kit is dimensionally quite well-done. The proper features for this version are included in the box, as are certain other useful generic items (such as three different 76mm gun tube styles), for the use of modelers who may wish to do something a bit different. Kit-bashers may also appreciate these aspects of the kit's layout.
Let's face it: there ain't a lot of parts for this kit, so the instructions ought to be relatively simple; and they are. They are easy to follow, contain no major glitches and are in color. Not bad, eh?
The five sets of decals are all very nicely presented and are based largely on work done by Steve Zaloga in his many Concord and Osprey books. They provide markings for four US and one Polish tank and are the same as given in the 1/35th-scale kit from this manufacturer. The markings for US tanks include some used during "Operation Cobra" the break-out from Normandy. Specific markings include: "
"Duke", 2nd AD, France, 1944. All of the US tanks feature broad black bands applied over olive drab base paint, while the Polish tank features a camouflage-painted section of its 76mm main gun and the noted cow cartoon on the hull side. The decals themselves are impeccably printed by Cartograf of Italy. The full-color painting instructions are keyed to Gunze and Testors Model Masters paint.
DML continues to cater to Sherman fans in Braille Scale, which is not a bad thing. They are apparently using research from their larger scale kits to enhance what they are providing for small scale modelers, again, not a bad thing. Fans of tiny tanks: enjoy!
1. "Sherman:
A History of the US Medium Tank", Taurus, by R.P. Hunnicutt.
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