Kit, DML 3539, M51 Isherman “Premium Edition”

DRAGON MODELS LIMITED


Product Specifications.

3539, M51 Isherman “Premium Edition”. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 699 styrene parts (including 22 clear), two photo-etched brass frets, one turned aluminum gun tube, 18 metal parts, two DS-100 track lengths, one decal/marking scheme and eight pages of instructions in 20 steps.


Introduction.

DML continues to upgrade popular older (often temporarily discontinued) kits with new multimedia parts, in contrast to some other companies that simply re-release the “oldies” without any attempt to upgrade them. Fans of the Israeli-modified Sherman, in this case the 105mm-armed M51, will be pleased to know that this model has now come in for the “treatment” in the “Premium Edition” series.


Tracks.

These consist of T80 steel chevron double-pin tracks in single lengths of DS-100 soft styrene, one for each side. These are beautifully-rendered and have complete details including the openings on the sides of the end connectors for the track pins, as well as distinct bolt heads on the inner surfaces of the end connectors. Separate, individual conventional styrene guide horns with complete details are provided and must be glued in place. These will require some clean-up of mold pips and separate ejector pin nodes; this will be quite a chore, but the end result will be tracks with extremely intricate and very accurate details.


Suspension System.

The Horizontal Volute Suspension System (HVSS) is very well done. 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 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 “cranked” 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” 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. The latter 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.


The rear plate is specific to this version and includes the plated over position for the previous style of exhaust pipe. Some parts are provided to block-in the area beneath the overhanging superstructure rear end, as per the prototype.


Superstructure.

This is one main part to which the separate engine deck peculiar to this version is attached; this includes the later exhaust system. The rear end of this casting was cut off with a torch, moved aft a bit and replaced at an angle by the Israelis when installing the new engine. DML replicates this rather well with a separate part. Other parts go to detail the engine deck including air intake covers, separate fluid filler caps with etched brass chains (and detailed spouts if they are left opened), vent covers, a gun tube travel lock, cowl vents (with etched brass screens), various lift rings, and tail lamps with etched brass faces and brush guards (with styrene substitutes). Some nice tools and stowage items dress up this area as well; the latter include spare road-wheels (which will need to be mounted in a more accurate fashion), jerry cans (with etched brass or styrene racks), stowage bins and on one side, the exhaust pipe for the auxiliary motor.


The later rear-mounted stowage bin is not included.


Etched brass side fenders and braces replace the also-included styrene items; this also applies to the front fenders. In this area, whatever medium is chosen, the new lower hull will need trimming where the sponson floors protrude out past the curve in the superstructure casting; this is not mentioned in the instructions.


Up front, there is a foundry casting ID symbol; it should be mentioned at this point that like the turret, this cast superstructure part is too roughly textured. It will need a bit of work to look better. Between the two hatch openings, a multi-part etched brass vent screen and cover can be used instead of the styrene part. The periscope slots are cut open and separate clear styrene heads, with separate covers can be used. The same goes for the hatch lids themselves, although they still have their lift handles molded in place. Cut them off and replace with wire for a better appearance. Styrene or etched brass brush guards finish these off. The bow-mounted .30 cal. Browning machine-gun is from the new turret detail sprue and includes cooling jacket detail and an open, slide-molded muzzle. Clear head-lamps are detailed with styrene or etched brass brush guards, while the typical lift rings are also provided as separate parts. The later mounts for the concertina wire are not given.


Turret.

The turret is the original molding and aside from not having a slide-molded pistol port already in place, stands up rather well for its age. The port is separate, including the bulge, so unlike the newer kits, it cannot be shown open without extra work; if the modeler goes that route, an extra lid, included on the new turret details sprue can be used. This sprue holds the new commander’s cupola (with clear vision blocks and periscope head), as well as a slide-molded .50 cal. M2 HMG complete with ammo box, cradle, separate grips and pintle mount. The usual small details are added such as the rail around the turret bustle extension, lift rings, periscope rotator plates, gunner’s sight box and cover, oval loader’s hatch lid (with a separate handle like the commander’s cupola), demountable search-light and antennae mounts. The turret has proper weld bead details where the new bustle extension was added and some foundry numbers on the roof; its overall outline appears to be correct. Much like the superstructure, its cast effect is too heavily textured; it will need to be toned down and made more uniform.


The gun mantlet appears to capture the look of the prototype quite well, as does the gun tube and muzzle break (either all-styrene, or styrene and turned aluminum). A large searchlight, with separate clear lens can be fitted over the mantlet (a power conduit from it to the turret roof needs to be added), while a two-part canvas dust cover surrounds the entire assembly; because of this, the main gun cannot elevate or depress. A pair of multi-part smoke mortars is fitted to either side of the turret, all of which have etched brass muzzle caps with retaining chains.


The turret exhibits earlier features and does not have track storage racks (although they are provided, but labeled as not for use), the small storage box on the right side bustle rail and the 60mm mortar or base plate for the turret roof.


Molding, Fit and Engineering.

Since this is a combination of the old and the new, there is certainly potential for mishap. But, the only place I noted any, regards the way the sponson floors protrude past the rounded front end of the cast superstructure. Otherwise, fit is good and molding is good (for the older parts), while it is excellent on the newer ones. There was no shrinkage and ejector pin marks are not visible on any parts except for the gun tube travel crutch,


Accuracy and Details.

I have no scale plans to compare this vehicle to, but the overall “look” appears to be right. Some details are incorrect, such as the slightly too-small bolts on the road-wheel faces, or the very overdone casting effect on the turret and superstructure.


Instructions.

These are the drawn style and are not too difficult to follow; they still perpetuate the error in step 1 concerning how the bogies go together, to which I have alluded in previous reviews and which have also been brought up on the ML Allied DG in the recent past. Hint: part Q13 goes opposite Q14.


Decals and Markings Information.

Markings are provided for two different tanks, although only one is identified on the instruction sheet, registration number 75257-ö. The alternate is 816208-ö. There are blank registration plates in two sizes and extra number blocks if the modeler wishes to build a different tank, and of course, these can be used on other Israeli models. The tank (4 á) belongs to the Zippori Brigade in the Sinai, during the 1967 Six-Day War, and is confirmed in a photo seen in several of the cited references. Actually, it is rather remarkable that there are so few photos of this tank in service; most show museum specimens.


Conclusion.

As the original kit did not have many vices and the new parts certainly add quite a bit to this model’s attraction, I’d say that DML chose well in giving this release the “Premium Edition” treatment. With a bit of extra work, a fine replica will be the result; certainly both Shermanaholics and Israeli armor fans will like what they see.


Highly recommended.


Frank V. “Curly Stooge” De Sisto


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

1. “Sherman: A History of the US Medium Tank”, Taurus, by R.P. Hunnicutt.
2. “The Sherman in US and Allied Service”, Osprey Vanguard 26, by S. Zaloga.
3. “Walk Around M4 Sherman”, Squadron 5701, by J. Mesko.
4. “Israeli M4 Sherman and Derivatives”, Verlinden Warmachines 4, by F. Verlinden, W. Peters & M. Mass.
5. “Israeli Armour in Detail”, MBI Special Museum Line 6, by D. Petz & Jan Mostek.
6. “Israeli Armour in Detail, Part Two”, MBI Special Museum Line 14, by D. Petz & K. Hellebrand.
7. “Israeli Sherman, Tracing the History of the Sherman Tank in Israeli Service”, Darlington Productions, by T. Gannon.
8. “Armour of the Middle East Wars, 1948-78” Osprey Vanguard 19, by S. Zaloga.
9. “Tank Battles of the Mid-East Wars (1) The Wars of 1948-1973” Concord 7008, by S. Zaloga.



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