I'm sure most people already know about this new M4A3E8 kit from Tamiya, but I thought I'd share the information here. From the manufacturer's product description:
This is an all-new kit designed by Tamiya's top designers which recreates the "Easy Eight" variant of the legendary Sherman medium tank. The M4A3E8 was known fondly as the “Easy Eight” by its crews, thanks to the relatively smooth drive afforded by its Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS). Another distinguishing feature was its 76mm gun. Some of the 2,500 examples produced were in time to appear in the Battle of the Bulge (Dec. 1944-Jan. 1945), and others even served in the Korean War years after the Allied WWII triumph. Movie buffs will no doubt also recall that the "Easy Eight" was the star of the 2014 hit film "Fury."
There is a thread on this kit on Armorama that has sprue pictures. the kit actually looks wonderful. From what I remember the good points are-
1. Excellent weld beads even on the sides and rear engine deck, at the engine screen hold blocks on side.
2. Nice looking tranny cover with separate lifting lugs (a la Tasca) and weld bead for the step.
3. Nice texture on turret and plate for drivers hatches.
4. Good casting numbers but it will still need some.
5. one-piece plastic barrel.
6. Separate glass for commanders cupola
7. Decent detail on interior of driver and gunner hatches-one of the things Tamiya has failed to do in the past.
Bad points-
1. Molded on grab handles on hatches (I wonder when that will ever change)
2. Tracks look stiff to me.
Now, mind you, I'm only looking at the pictures and don't have it in my hot little hands but form what I can see it looks like a winner. I probably missed something though.
PS Now I have a base for my next Israeli M51 Sherman.
Yes, thanks for the update, Jeff! I found the Armorama thread last week and should have mentioned it here. There's also a nice video with the original posting there.
I bought one, new upper hull with proper weld beads, including glacis to sides, and lots of other very nice features. All in all, a very good kit, much better than any previous welded-hull Sherman from Tamiya.
I bought one, new upper hull with proper weld beads, including glacis to sides, and lots of other very nice features. All in all, a very good kit, much better than any previous welded-hull Sherman from Tamiya.
I got mine from Scalehobbyist.com for $35.79. Here's the link: US M4A3E8 Sherman "Easy Eight" - European Theater. Very nice kit and I would have had it built by now, but another hobby got in the way... brought home a Golden Retriever puppy on New Year's Day and he's taking up all my time! LOL