Kit, Academy 13210, US Howitzer Motor Carriage M7 Priest

ACADEMY/ MRC


Product Specifications.

13210, US Howitzer Motor Carriage M7 Priest. 1/35th-scale injection-molded styrene kit. Contains: 407 styrene parts, two vinyl track lengths, four decal/ markings schemes and nine pages of instructions in 12 steps.


Introduction.

Academy continues to kit US subjects that have been wanted for some time, for which we modelers should be grateful. However, since the advent of their Stuart and Lee kits, it has become apparent that “looks” can often be quite deceiving; when scrutinized closely, their products are often found lacking in the detail and accuracy department. As much as it distresses me to say it, this is still the case with this manufacturer, as shown in this latest kit.


On the other hand, it is readily apparent that Academy has heard the “voice” of modelers on the internet. This new product, loosely based on their previously-released M3 Lee medium tank kit, has new parts to correct the VVSS suspension bogie trucks and volute springs; this is a major “plus” in many respects, and bodes well for the future.


Tracks.

These consist of a pair of vinyl lengths that are designed to be heat-joined. They are well-detailed and properly configured (i.e., the end connectors stretch between the links) and represent the T51 flat rubber pad style quite nicely. They have several pour stubs on each length, on the inner face of a few links; these will need a sharp knife and some care to be removed. It should be noted that this particular medium will “shed” paint if handled too roughly during installation, even if primed; proper planning will serve to mitigate any negative effects.


Suspension System.

The good news is that the height issues related to the bogie trucks and VVSS springs have been addressed. They are now properly-configured. The better news is that the outer segments are provided in two styles (one set has the small horizontal ridge; the other does not), so one set of outer bogies will be left-over. If the modeler has the Academy Lee kit still un-built, these parts will help correct that kit; Saul Garcia has already posted photos describing the procedure here at ML and over on Track Link. Check it out!


There are also new drive sprockets to compliment those on the two “generic” M4 VVSS sprues that are included in order to supply the road-wheels. The latter consist of two complete sets of six-spoke pressed or five-spoke welded type road-wheels, as well as pressed or welded idler wheels. Complete (and superfluous to this kit…to a degree!) straight-arm VVSS units are included; these have two track skid variations and will be quite handy for those who have a Tamiya M4 in the stash. They are virtually a drop-fit on the Tamiya hull. Of course, these early M7s could be seen with these suspension bogies; this provides yet another option in this area and is another major high point of this kit.


Hull.

The hull pan is straight out of the M3 Lee kit and will need some items on the sponsons cut away to accommodate parts on the new M7; the instructions show what needs to be done. The odd oval plug (what’s that all about, anyway?) for the belly plate seen attached to the inner floor on the Lee kit, is now a separate part; pop it into place and fill as required. Overall detail on the hull pan includes crisply-rendered rivets and VVSS mounting plates, as well as reinforcement strips on the belly; this represents the riveted construction of the original very nicely. The rear plate has separate engine access hatch doors and includes tow clevises, trailer hitch with mount and square section air cleaners. The latter includes separate connecting rods and rounded bottoms. Exhaust stubs are molded with properly opened “fish-tails”.


Up front, a six-part assembly represents the three-piece cast/bolted transmission/final drive housing. There are lubrication plugs molded on the parts that encase the final drive segments and one of them has a foundry part number molded in place. The remaining parts are devoid of these numbers, a few lube/drain plugs and any hint of a cast surface texture. Some work by the modeler will be needed to bring this section up to par. The unit is finished with tow clevises and rings.


Separate front and rear fenders are then attached to the sponsons.


Superstructure.

The basic shape of the superstructure is captured quite well. The side and rear panels around the fighting compartment are of the type without the folding extensions that covered the ammunition stowage bins. The front plate captures the appearance of the curved top section very well. There are subtle weld beads where applicable, and the lower lip of the side plates have nicely-done sand shield mounting strips, complete with opened bolt holes. Separate head-lamp mounts and horn are provided, as are the commendably thin and appropriately-shaped brush guards, as well as a separate view-port flap. The head-lamp mounts have separate lenses (they are not clear parts) and there is a separate horn face, so shrinkage will not be a problem with those parts. The three grouser boxes are provided, but they are stowed with spare track links. “Officially” this is incorrect.


The engine deck is where one encounters the first of many problems, particularly since this kit, in most other major areas, represents and earlier M7. There are some minor detail issues and the two prominent vents with their sheet metal covers are nowhere to be seen. The tool stowage is well done and these items are separate parts. However, although tow cable end loops are given, no material for the actual cable is supplied. The two stowage boxes appear to be properly-sized and represent the second type with top hinges, but no vents or screened bins on the top. The rear engine deck plate is then attached as are the tail-lamps.


Fighting Compartment.

There are a number of detail, accuracy and construction issues here as well. To begin with there are a number of ejector pin marks for the modeler to deal with on all inner wall surfaces. The ammunition racks are filled with very nice, slide-molded closed packing tubes, but each individual cell wall is not provided. Lots of extra work will be needed by the modeler to complete the appearance of these parts. No actual 105mm rounds are provided. Many small brackets and fittings are not given and will also need to be added by the modeler for maximum accuracy.


The driver’s instrument panel is incorrect and represents the type with Ford engine instead of Wright radial engine. There is a separate floor panel for the driver, to which a two-part seat is added. Most of the driver’s controls are given as separate parts. The transmission interior is made up of multiple parts, but details are missing. I am not sure why the crew of an artillery piece would need two M1 rifles in racks, since specs call for sub-machine guns. The stowage bin for four boxes of .50 cal ammo is nicely-rendered, while the M2 itself is a multi-part affair with separate grips, sights, trigger and cocking lever; it comes from a slide-mold so is pre-bored. There are actually TWO M2s given; one has the barrel changing handle, while each has a different style of molded-on cradle. Ammo boxes, trays and two styles of pintles complete the MGs. There is also a nice .30 cal. “with all the trimmins”, which can go to spare-part heaven.


The MG mounts onto a movable skate rail mount, which in turn gets attached to the ring mount. The ring mount is very under-detailed and does not represent the actual item except at casual glance; the prominent braces for the mount are not given. The “pulpit” is otherwise a proper representation of this type.


Howitzer.


The howitzer has some interesting design solutions and is based on a two-part slide-molded gun tube, with a separate slide-molded breech block. The small balancing spring seen under the recoil slide is also the product of a slide mold. The recuperator cylinder is also a very well-done multi-part item that includes a separate end-cap. This is all very nice, but it’s all down-hill from here!


There is a host of very ill-placed ejector pin marks to deal with and the sliding wedge for the breech block has a sink mark that needs filling. The elevating and traversing arc parts and the recoil slide have many ejector pin marks that must be dealt with, but some are in very difficult spots. The sights don’t quite make it as proper visual representations of the actual item, and the firing lanyard is molded on the recoil slide in an extremely “shrunken” fashion.


Molding, Fit and Engineering.

Molding and fit is generally OK, but those ejector pin marks are an absolute pain to deal with! The rendition of many of the small details indicate that Academy still has a ways to go in order to be a true 21st Century kit maker.

Accuracy and Details.

There are a vexing number of accuracy, omission and detail issues throughout the kit as follows:

• The shape of the driver’s visor does not match photos and the “Protectoscope” mounted within it is too small; the lip around the visor on the superstructure is improperly shaped, because it matches the visor’s outline.
• The small circular openings on either edge of the forward engine deck panel, aft of the grill work, are located between bolts three and four; they should be between bolts four and five.
• Photographs show a screened rectangular opening (a vent for the engine compartment) on either side of the aft engine deck lid. Both have a spaced, “L”-shaped cover over them; none of these items are included.
• The three open boxes on the superstructure front are grouser boxes, not spare track link stowage boxes (although they could be used to stow the latter, I suppose). Nice spare links are given, but no grousers are included.
• The padding on the circular seats features a cross-hatch pattern scribed in place. This represents canvas texture quite poorly.
• The cast three-piece transmission/final drive parts don’t have any texture, and only have one set of foundry numbers on one area.
• The engine deck screen is molded in place.
• Tow cable end-loops are provided, but no material is provided to simulate the cable.
• The rim around the .50 cal. ring mount is not wide enough, is improperly configured and lacks details seen in photos. The rather noticeable braces seen in photos are also absent from the kit.
• The driver’s instrument panel does not match the configuration seen in photos for vehicles powered by the Wright radial engine; it appears to be the type seen on Ford-powered M7B1s.
• The driver’s controls are incomplete, as are the internal sections of the transmission/final drive unit.
• The howitzer mount is riddled with hard-to-remove ejector pin marks and has some dodgy details, particularly the firing lanyard assembly. The sighting apparatus is extremely over-simplified, which creates shape and configuration issues.
• The two rifle racks are filled with .30 cal. M1 rifles. According to Hunnicutt, specs call for “Provision for (3) .45 cal. SMG M3”.
• A number of small fittings seen around the fighting compartment are not provided.
• The details under the sheet metal cover at the rear of the fighting compartment only “resemble” the actual items seen in photographs.
• The two frames used to support the canvas cover over the fighting compartment, commonly stowed on either side of its outside walls, are not provided.
• Although there are some nice packing tubes to fill the ammunition racks, the individual square cell walls are not included. With full racks, the cell walls are still readily visible.


When “push comes to shove”, the majority of the problems mentioned above can be overcome by the so-called “advanced” modeler. But, the manufacturer should have paid greater attention to specific details, thereby saving all modelers a great deal of extra (and unnecessary) work.


Instructions.

These are clearly-drawn, logically laid-out and should present no problems to the modeler.


Decals and Markings Information.


The designs are in perfect register, have crisp edges and feature fine color saturation; carrier film is thin, glossy and cut close to the edges. Markings are provided for four vehicles, as follows:

• “Franche-Comte”, French 2eme Division Blindeé, France 1944.
• “Baboon”, 14th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, US 2nd Armored Division, France 1944.
• British 11th Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, 1st Armoured Division, El Alamein 1942.
• US 2nd Armored Division, Sicily 1943.

The markings are largely based on information provided by Steve Zaloga in reference number 3 and match the color plates quite well in some particulars. Two sets are confirmed in that publication, but actual vehicle configurations differ. For example, “Baboon” is depicted in that reference (as a color plate and as a contemporary photo) as being a later M7 with the folding armor plate extensions around the side and rear of the fighting compartment walls, as well as being field-modified with mine racks typically of the length seen on the M3 and M3A1 half-track; it also features the deeper machine gun pulpit, none of which are options in the kit. “Franche-Comte” matches the color plates precisely, but is without markings seen on the front (the plate neglects that area as well). The British 11th Rgt., RHA markings are similar to, but not identical to, those seen in photos. The Sicilian vehicle is quite “generic” in nature, since the markings merely consist of three ringed Allied stars.


Taken altogether, the markings, although “nice”, fall short in several respects.


Conclusion.

There are too many issues with this kit that are indicative of poor research by the manufacturer and the use of less-sophisticated molding techniques. It is a wonderful thing to have a major item (the suspension bogies) improved upon; it is not so wonderful to be then let down in so many other particulars.


Lest the reader get the idea that this kit is a “horror”, that is not my intention; it will just need what I consider to be too many corrections and too much extra work by the modeler to get it to look good. While much of what needs to be done falls well within the skill level of many modelers, Academy could have done so much better with only a bit more effort.


Recommend with reservations.


Frank V. “Curly Stooge” De Sisto


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

1. “M7 Priest Howitzer Motor Carriage”, Allied Command Productions MV-25, by S. Arnold.
2. “105mm Howitzer M2A1”, Allied Command Productions ARTY-02, by S. Arnold.
3. “US Armored Artillery of World War II”, Concord 7044, by S. Zaloga.
4. “US Self-Propelled Guns in Action”, Squadron Armor 38, by J. Mesko.
5. “Allied-Axis”, Issue 17, Ampersand Publishing, article by D. Doyle.
6. “Toadman’s 105mm HMC M7, M7B1 and M7B2 Photo Detail CD”, CD15, Toadman’s Tank Pictures, by C. Hughes.
7. “M7 Priest Technical Manual TM 9-731E C1”, CD from Dataview Publishing.
8. “Sherman, a History of the American Medium Tank”, Taurus Enterprises, by R.P. Hunnicutt.


Model Rectifier Corp. is the North American distributor of Academy kits. Available from retail and mail order shops. For images see Academy’s site at: www.academy.co.kr.


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