Post by bigjohn on Aug 31, 2013 22:15:19 GMT -5
Asuka Model IC Firefly Composite Hull with Accessories.
Kit #35-028 5700
Scale: 1/35
Asuka Model, (formally Tasca) has released their new 1/35 British Sherman IC Firefly kit number 35-028. I don’t have the earlier Tasca Firefly IC to compare this to, but I suspect it’s pretty much the same as kit number 35-027 with the addition of the extra Accessories.
Background
Chrysler produces roughly 1600 M4 Composites from August 1943 to January 1944. Early production composites were fitted with the D50878 turret with thickened cheek and no pistol port. Later production units were fitted with the high bustle D78461 turret that had the thickened cheek and reintroduction of the pistol port. They were also fitted with an oval loaders hatch.
Many of the M4 Composites were sent to Great Britain under the lend lease agreement where many of them were converted over to the Firefly. This was done by mounting the British 17 pounder gun in the turret. The radio had to be relocated to make room for the breach, so the back of the turret was cut out and an armored box welded on allowing the radio to be positioned further back. The D50878 turrets were also fitted with a new loaders hatch. This kit represents a model with the D50878 low bustle turret.
Sprue A- This is a typical sprue included in all Tasca kits. It has 3 different versions of drive sprockets and both open spoke and pressed steel spoke idler wheels.
Sprue B X3- This sprue is the suspension components. It has the upswept return rollers and 3 complete sets of road wheels. Open spoke, pressed steel spoke, and plain dished wheels.
Sprue C- Sprue C looks like it originates from the M4A3 series kits. It contains the pioneer tools and fittings typical of a late production Sherman.
Sprue D X2- Sprue D is another sprue found in all Tasca kits. It contains items such as the light guards, filler caps, and lifting rings.
Sprue E- Sprue E is the lower welded hull panels. This is a newer item from Tasca. The only other M4-M4A1 hull that I know of represents an early riveted hull. 
Sprue F- There are 2 “F” sprues in the box. One of them can be found in the M4A1 series kits. It contains the air cleaners and rear engine deck parts. The other “F” sprue contains parts related to the “Firefly”. It is important to pay attention to the instructions as to which “F” sprue they are calling out.
G Sprue X2- Sprue G contains all the clear parts such as the headlights and periscopes.
Sprue H- Sprue H contains the composite hull and firefly turret. The turret features the relocated cheek casting (some refer to this as cast in appliqué armor) and no pistol port.
Sprue J- Sprue J is another one that looks like it came from the M4A3 series. It has the late sharp nosed differential that is correct for this particular variant.
Sprue K- Sprue K contains the armored radio box for the rear of the turret bustle. 
Sprue T X3- Sprue T is an all new tooling sprue and is composed of the extra track armor advertized with the kit.
Sprue Y X2- Sprue Y is another newly tooled sprue. It contains more extra stowage items such as Ammo boxes, crates, biscuit Tins, a bucket, and a tea kettle.
An unmarked sprue contains 2 water cans and 2 petrol cans.
Sprue U-Sprue U is another new clear sprue consisting of wine bottles and a lantern.
Another unmarked sprue contains new ride height spacers to use instead of the foam blocks. It has extra spacers to use with all Tasca kits including the M3 style boogies and sagged suspensions of the M4A3E2 Jumbos.
4 sections of T-48 Tracks with out extended end connectors.
Polly Caps for use with the drive sprockets and gun mounts.
A small photo etched sheet containing periscope guards, some mess screens, and a few other small detail parts.
The kit decals include 3 options for markings.
C squadron, 5th Dragoon Guards, 22nd Armored Brigade, 7th Armored Division, Netherlands 1945
A Squadron, Royal Scots Greys, 4th Armored Brigade, Germany 1945
A Squadron, 2ndArmored Battalion, Iris Guards, Guards Armored Division, Germany 1945 (winter Scheme)
I think Asuka has hit a home run with this kit .Fireflies are a popular subject amongst modelers, and in my opinion, this kit is probably one of the most accurate firefly kits out of the box. It’s nice to see all the extra stowage included with this kit and hopefully something that Asuka will continue to do with future releases.
I've never seen that before.
