HQ72 Article by Doug Chaltry; last updated 27 January 2008.
Back when I used to criticize the ESCI M4A1 Sherman kit for being a non-existant (or extremely rare) vehicle, I pointed out that one of the options for fixing the kit was to add applique armor plates to the hull side to represent a dry-stowage version of the late, big-hatch hull. That's a rather unusual vehicle, but at least there is photographic evidence that it existed. That's what HQ72 did with this kit, as well as making additional changes and improvements to the turret and hull.
These hull improvements include the addition of a cast texture to the armor, the applique armor plates (welded, not cast), more detail on the front fenders, the addition of some tow cable brackets, and a corrected mount for the ventilator cover on the front right hull corner (though the shape of the cover itself is poor). It would have been nice if the molded-on tools had been replaced, or at least improved, but they weren't. The turret was modified from the original ESCI piece and has been greatly improved. The commander's split hatche was replaced with an all-around vision cupola, a cast surface texture has been added, and the surface details such as the antenna mounts and armored periscope cover have been redone. This is one of the nicest M4 turrets I've seen in resin. All hatches are molded open (and on the hull too), and the hatch covers are detailed on the insides. The gun barrel is OK, but it looks as though it tapers to much and is best replaced. The addition of many stowage items makes this set a "Super Set". A full luggage rack for the rear hull is provided, as are many well-sculpted bags, packs and tent rolls. This set is designed for use with the Italeri (ESCI) plastic kit. The kit that I have reviewed here was purchased about three or four years ago when HQ72 was under different ownership. The label is now owned by Tiger Productions and I don't know if there have been any changes made to this kit, or if it is currently available in the same form as seen above. |
