TASCA
Product Specifications.
35010, M4A1 Sherman (Mid Production). 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 435 styrene parts (including 14 clear), four soft styrene track lengths, 24 vinyl caps, one sheet of soft rubber, one etched brass fret, four decal marking schemes and 12 pages of instructions in 25 steps.
Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2008 to all of the friends of “Time on Target”. For all of you, finally, a review with PHOTOGRAPHS; enjoy! There’s more where these came from, so stay tuned.
Introduction.
The reputation for quality that Tasca has forged with just a hand-full of complete styrene/multimedia kits began with the Lüchs, was reinforced with the Firefly and is now confirmed by the addition of this latest release, a mid-production M4A1. Naturally, the kit is based on components previously available from several different Tasca products; this can generally be considered to mean that these represent the M4-series of medium tanks to a remarkable degree.
Tracks.
These are composed of two lengths for each side of the tank, molded in soft styrene, which can be fixed together using standard styrene cement. They represent T41 or T51 rubber block types and the detail is typical of tracks molded in this fashion: crisp and accurate. They will be easy to assemble and only need three mold pips removed from the inner faces of each section; this can be done with a very sharp hobby knife, with any resulting blemish carefully brushed out with liquid styrene cement. Like the previous Firefly kit, the instructions tell the modeler to cut these items off in step one, but it may be unclear at first glance; regardless, DON’T cut the links, just the pips. Prior to fixing with glue, ensure that the idler wheel axle (a separate part) is doing its job, so the tracks are properly tensioned.
Two soft styrene (not vinyl) track lengths must be joined for each side of the model. Note that the lower track section has had the pour plugs cleaned.
Suspension System.
This is basically the entire VVSS suspension system released a few years ago. It is the initial version of the heavy duty type with straight arms for the return rollers, with the rollers raised by a pillow block; the latter modification is not compatible with the markings provided in this kit. Two different styles of track skids are provided; these are created using a slide-mold, which allows three of the four mounting bolts to be molded in place; the missing one is on the inner side and will not be easily visible on a completed model. So, the designers made a good compromise. The main units 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 read-wheel given: stamped with six spokes and welded with five spokes. The stamped wheels have separate backs and both styles feature properly-placed grease nipples. In addition, the sprues have tiny rivets molded in one area, which are to be used for the inner rims of the stamped wheels. It will be a bit of a chore to remove them and then place them on the wheels (12 for each side of each wheel!), so the modeler may wish to skip that exercise.
The drive sprockets are provided in three styles: two are variations of the open type, while the third is the smooth type. The idler wheels are also given in two styles: stamped with six spokes and welded with five spokes. The unused parts will come in handy for other projects, to be sure. The final components for the suspension are the completely-detailed final drives and the adjustable axle for the idler wheels; the latter fits onto a slide-molded bracket with a separate spindle.
This image shows the two different track skids, two different road-wheels, two different idler wheels and three different drive sprockets. Note completed bogie with some modest styrene detail enhancements.
Hull.
The hull is provided as separate parts for the belly plate and the side walls, with separate parts for the sponsons. There is a firewall/bulkhead for the inside of the hull, which has some very basic detail; its prime function is to help square-off the hull assembly, although it will certainly come in handy if the modeler wants to install an engine pack and compartment. All of the external surfaces of the hull and sponson panels have the proper details for the riveted version, while the hull sides also have the mounting plates for the VVSS units molded in place.
Up front, there is a 13-part, three-piece cast transmission/final drive cover. This has subtle casting texture, some foundry numbers and some drain plug details (there are three that are MIA, but these can easily be added with tiny styrene disks). The way in which the parts are broken down allows for the use of this entire assembly to show a removed transmission, should the modeler wish to pursue that end. In addition, wherever there are mounting bolts on the main hull panels, the mating surface on the transmission cover has the corresponding holes. The flanges used to assemble the cover come as two parts per side; when glued together and put in place, the modeler is advised not to eliminate the seam that is created, since it remained visible on the real tank. The final items are separate tow shackles and their mounts.
New for this kit is the early single-piece cast final drive housing. It is based on a seven-part assembly, which, like the three-piece housing, is completely detailed. It too can be posed removed from the model if a maintenance diorama is contemplated. It has an extremely subtle cast texture molded on, but there are no foundry numbers and symbols to be seen. Personally, I would enhance the texture using any number of methods and add the numbers and symbols using the new items from Archer Fine Transfers. It is finished by the addition of separate tow shackles and their mounts.
A choice of a cast single-piece or cast three-piece final drive housing is included in the box.
Finally, each type of final drive housing has its own tailored fillets for use when blending them into the inner parts of the front fenders.
The rear plate has separate engine compartment access doors. Other items such as separate grab handles for the access doors and the usual tow shackles and their mounts are given; no tow hook or mount is provided. Two types of multi-part carburetor air cleaners are provided: the early square type and the later round type; the square type is embellished with etched brass parts.
The assembled hull shows the riveted nature of its construction; note the opening for engine access. The cast superstructure exhibits extremely subtle texture, which modelers may wish to enhance just a wee bit.
Superstructure.
The cast superstructure is typical for the Pressed Steel M4A1 and is molded with extremely restrained texture; again, many modelers will probably enhance it somewhat. There are no foundry symbols or numbers present anywhere on the part. On each side, the lower edge has the small protrusions that were used on these early types to mount sand shields; however, the latter are not provided. The driver’s hoods are properly-contoured and have the flaps for their periscopes molded in place. A bulge for the vent is in place, while the cover for it is a separate part with nice cast texture; a second cover is fitted aft of the turret ring on the starboard side. The driver’s and radio operator’s hatch lids are each made of five parts to include separate counter-balance springs, periscope cover and inner head pad. A choice of clear or opaque styrene periscope heads are provided, while there is an option of showing them opened or closed. Separate head-lamps are provided with either solid or clear styrene lenses. They are protected by styrene brush-guards; unlike the Firefly kit, no etched brass parts are provided here. Two styles of horn, one with a cleverly-molded brush-guard in-situ, are provided as are the usual lifting hooks.
The bow .30 cal. Browning machine-gun is a complete assembly, which was made using a slide-mold; therefore it has a pre-bored muzzle with the characteristic slot, as well as proper cooling jacket detail. It fits behind a two-part mantle and will remain flexible after installation. There is an optional bit of coaming to which a dust cover would be clipped if needed; the instructions note which specifically-marked tank should have this. The final tiny detail in this area is the small L-shaped metal bracket seen between the two driver’s hoods, provided as an etched brass item.
A recessed bolt pattern is seen surrounding the turret race ring, which itself has no bayonet mount cut-outs for holding the turret in place. I prefer this style as it is more visually accurate; the modeler need not worry about the turret dropping out, since the kit’s designers came up with a system to deal with that. See below in the description of the turret.
Separate filler caps are fitted to three locations on the main molding, with another two going on the engine air inlet plate. That plate has a separate air inlet cover, which is complimented on the inside by etched brass screening. A separate rear engine bay access hatch lid is also provided. All tools are separate and are delicately molded; they will all need strap detail added. Fuel tank vent covers (with etched brass screens), lifting rings, and tail-lamps with two styles of styrene brush-guards finish up the area. Piping and exhaust fish-tails, which are now open at their ends (unlike those in the Firefly kit) complete the rear deck.
Appliqué armor plates are provided, but are essentially a hold-over from the Firefly kit. All of the side plates have a weld bead on all four edges, but there should be none at their bottoms. The forward side plates that were segmented to fit the curve of the cast superstructure are not given.
The hull, superstructure and turret fit extremely well to each other. In this image, the major hatch lids have been cleaned-up and dropped in place.
Turret.
The turret is a typical early low bustle type with M34 mantle. Two different rotor shields are given (one with, the other without the armored “ears” that protected the gun tube). They are both very well-textured as is the mantle; it also has a foundry number molded in place. The smaller rotor shield seen over the co-axial .30 cal. Browning is provided, while the machine-gun itself is slide-molded with pre-drilled bore and proper cooling jacket details. The main gun represents the type with a continuous taper, which does not flare at the muzzle end. It is conventionally-molded in two halves; proper assembly and clean-up will result in a proper tube configuration.
The turret’s upper shell comes from a slide-mold, so the pistol port opening is cast in place (the lid is separate and comes with an internal latch); some work will be needed to remove a mold seam and add texture to the area. The lower part comprises the turret ring, which has a unique way of locking onto the superstructure using three tiny tabs that are molded in such a way as to be springy; the entire assembly is pushed in and then they will expand to hold everything in place.
All periscope assemblies are separate and include clear ‘scope heads and separate covers. The commander’s split-hatch cupola is made up of a total of nine parts to include a clear periscope head. Both the cupola ring and the hatch lids feature foundry number details. The hatch lids are very well-detailed but there are a couple of ejector pin marks that will be visible if they are left opened up; they are in a slightly difficult area to reach, but they are subtle and with care will disappear. Separate detail parts are given for the turret to include the blade sight for the commander, US-style radio antennae base and an optional appliqué armor panel. The usual lift rings are separate parts.
Tasca markets a very nice .50 cal. M2 heavy machine-gun as a separate accessory set. One of these is included in the box; it is rather outstanding and arguably the best one in styrene. The receiver group is slide-molded and includes the cooling jacket for the gun barrel molded in place. The cooling jacket holes are all open and two types of gun barrel can be fitted into the pre-bored end; one has the carry/quick-change handle in place, the other does not. Likewise, these are slide-molded and are pre-bored. Separate grips, cocking handle, receiver cover and receiver base complete the main assembly. Two types of gun cradle, two types of 100-round ammo box/tray assemblies and two types of pintles are also provided. An extra ammo box, a length of belted ammo and a spare barrel for stowage completes this very welcome addition.
The single .50 cal. M2 heavy machine-gun can be fitted out in a variety of ways; check references for details. Note the two different caps for the jerry cans; two are for water cans, two are for fuel cans.
Accessories.
Four US jerry cans are provided, each consisting of four parts. They are molded in a unique way, so the lettering seen under the handles is depicted. Two are for water and two are for fuel; therefore there are subtle differences, notably in the type of caps used to close them.
Figure.
A full figure of a US tank commander is given. He comes in four parts: legs/torso, two arms and head. He wears a typical tanker’s helmet with separate goggles; the holster for his .45 cal. automatic pistol, as well as the magazine pouch for it are separate parts. He is clothed in typical HBT overalls. Detail-wise, he is more reminiscent of a plastic figure seen in the 1980s or 1990s, which translates into adequate; with work and maybe a new head, he will look fine in the turret.
Molding, Fit and Engineering.
Overall, I found no problems with the fit of any major or minor component. No sink marks were found, and in every case except for the above-mentioned hatch lids, there were no visible ejector pin marks.
Accuracy.
Based on the cited references, I have no completely reliable 1/35th-scale plans to compare the kit parts to. Photographs indicate the kit is very accurate from a visual standpoint. The more fastidious modeler will need to conduct some research to determine which details he wishes to use on his finished kit, especially as they relate to provided markings (see below).
Instructions.
These are well-drawn and include several little printed bits of advice, something I whole-heartedly welcome. Throughout, where there are optional parts, the combination of the parts and the markings schemes are duly noted. In addition, although only T41/T51 tracks are given in the box, one of the markings schemes requires T48 rubber chevron tracks; the option is not provided, but at least the instructions let you know that they are needed.
Decals and Markings Information.
The decals are from Cartograf and are cleanly printed with excellent color saturation. Film is thin, matte and cut close to the edges of the designs. Markings are provided for the following M4A1s:
1. Henry III, HQ Co, 2ndBn, 13thAR, 1stAD, Tunisia, Spring 1943.
2. Major Jim, HQ Co, 2ndBn, 13thAR, 1stAD, Tunisia, Spring 1943.
3. 3rdBn, 67thAR, 2ndAD, Sicily, July 1943.
4. Comic, C Co, 751st Tk Bn, 5th Army, Italy, April 1945.
Steve Zaloga recently commented here at ML’s Gallery when he posted photographs of his recent build. I quote:
“To begin with, there is a mismatch between the content of the kit and the decal selections. The kit depicts a M4A1 manufactured by Pressed Steel in 1942 with its characteristic riveted lower hull. However, some of the decal options are of Lima or Pacific Car M4A1s. This was certainly the case for Major Jim, from 2/13th Armored which I built, and for "Comic" of the 752nd Tank Battalion. In the case of Henry III and the 2nd Armored Division M4A1, the photos are not conclusive but Henry III does not appear to have a riveted lower hull. This is not simply a matter of trimming off the rivets as the transition point between the hull bottom and rear plate on the welded hulls was rounded where as on the Pressed Steel it is hard angled. This doesn't take a lot of effort to fix, but modelers should be aware of this issue.
There are a number of other details that are inappropriate for M4A1s as early as Henry III and Major Jim. This includes the driver/BOG hatches which should not have the spring/catch assembly. The .50 cal machine gun is stunning, but the two pintles provided are not the ideal choice for tanks like Major Jim and Henry III which should have the D69820 pintle and the 50-round box. The kit has the same bogie assembly as the Firefly and the separate suspension release. Although this is an excellent heavy-duty bogie, it is a slightly later configuration than Major Jim/Henry III which should not have the spacer between the return roller axle and the roller arm. The turret has the mountings for the searchlight which would not be present on Major Jim/Henry III.
I should make it very clear that these are not errors in the kit but rather are mismatches between the kit configuration and the subjects selected for the decals. The model will build into a very accurate Pressed Steel M4A1 out of the box. It's up to the modeler to match the kit configuration to an appropriate tank, or to modify the kit parts to reflect the tank selected.”
Many thanks, Steve.
Conclusion.
This is an absolutely wonderful kit and worth the relatively high asking price here in the USA. It is beautifully engineered, has a fine selection of optional parts and is, as Steve has so ably stated, very accurate, straight out of the box.
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. Sherman in Action, Armor No.16, Squadron, by B. Culver & D. Greer.
3. Walk Around M4 Sherman, Squadron 5701, by J. Mesko.
4. US Armour Camouflage and Markings 1917-45, Osprey Vanguard 39, by S. Zaloga.
5. The Sherman Tank in US and Allied Service, Osprey Vanguard 26, by S. Zaloga.
6. Modelling the US Army M4 (75mm) Sherman Medium Tank, Osprey Modelling 35, by S. Zaloga.
7. M4 Sherman, Osprey Modelling 14 (old series), by R.H. Cabos & J. Prigent.
8. The M4 Sherman at War, the European Theater 1942-1945, Concord 7001, by S. Zaloga.
9. The Sherman at War (2), the US Army in the European Theater 1943-45, Concord 7036, by S. Zaloga.
10. M4 Medium (Sherman), AFV Weapons Profile 29, by P. Chamberlain & C. Ellis.
11. Modeler’s Guide to the Sherman, Ampersand, by P. Harlem.
12. M4A1 (75mm) Sherman Exterior, Allied Command Productions’ Military Vehicle Workshop Series MV-01, compiled by S. Arnold.
13. M4A1 (75mm) Sherman Interior, Allied Command Productions’ Military Vehicle Workshop Series MV-04, compiled by S. Arnold.
Reviewer’s note: Since May of 2005, I have been working on books for Concord Publications, a sister company to DragonUSA (Tasca’s North American importer), who provided the review sample. The reader may wish to take this into consideration. For my part, I will attempt to maintain an objective viewpoint when writing these reviews.
Delete abwehrabwehr from email
Tasca kits are available in North America from DragonUSA at: www.dragonusaonline.com
