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 replace the 75mm M4 turret with a 76mm T23 turret. That's what HQ72 did with this kit, as well as making additional changes and improvements to the hull.
These hull improvements include the addition of a cast texture to the armor, more detail on the front fenders, the addition of an engine oil filler cap on the rear engine access panel, and a corrected mounting for the ventilator cover on the front right hull corner (though the shape of the cover itself is poor). No changes were made to the main flaw of the ESCI kit, the too-short hull, but that would have been an incredibly complicated fix, if even possible, so it's not surprising. The T-23 turret was modified from the Revell kit, and again, has been greatly improved. The shape has been resculpted a small amount, 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 T23 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 too. The gun barrel is OK in size and shape, but is warped and 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 brand 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. |
