MR Models Article by Doug Chaltry; last updated 28 January 2008. Representing an early version of the M4A2, I'm not entirely sure what makes this kit unique to the USMC. Perhaps because it has the welded armored hoods for the driver and co-driver? Like the other Sherman conversion sets from MR Models, this set is intended to convert an ESCI/Italeri M4A1 Sherman kit, and requires several (but not many) parts from that plastic model.
Most of the parts are provided in resin, although a few are also made from cast metal. The turret is a very early version without the loader's hatch, no pistol port, and with the M34 gun mantlet, either with or without the armored barrel protection. The wheels are the early open spoke variety, which is nice, since these have not been very common in most Sherman kits to date. The final drive housing is the rounded cast version, not the sharp-nose. Two spare wheels and some miscellaneous stowage gear are also provided. Although I have had many problems in the past with poor resin casting (bubbles and air pockets), this set is very well done, with only a couple of easily-fixed pinholes in the resin.
The hull hatches, sprocket wheels, and some other smaller details are cast in white metal, and are very well done. The hatches are detailed on both surfaces, which allows the modeler to display them in the open position. The gun barrel is turned aluminum, and is perfect. No decals or photoetched parts are included. This is a gorgeous kit, it scales out almost perfectly to 1/72nd, and I highly recommend all the MR Models kits as being some of the best Sherman models in this scale. |
