PMMS

1/35 Scale - Sherman T23 Turret comparison

With the release of the new Academy M4A2 Sherman with T23 turret it is worth a brief look at the various T23 turrets available in other kits, this comparison will look at the turrets from the Dragon M4A3(76) HVSS (kit 9010), the Academy M4A2 (Kit 35010), Italeri M4A1 (Kit 225) and the CDM early T23 turret (set CMD35) for a look at how the resin makers deal with the turret, there are other resin T23 turrets available but I don't have access to these at this time.

It should be noted that the Academy and CMD turrets have separate commander's cupolas while the Dragon and Italeri have it moulded integrally with the turret and I have attached the cupolas to the turrets in the images for uniformity. The pistol port is also attached on each turret image but is treated differently in each kit with the Academy having the complete mounding separate, the Italeri port is in two parts the inner section with separate door while the Dragon and CMD turret have to port casting as part of the turret with just the door separate. The Academy and Italeri ports don't quite cut it as far as T23 turret ports go while the Dragon is the closest of the plastic kits with the CMD being correct for this version.

The other differences in the turrets is that the Academy and Dragon have the oval loader's hatch while the Italeri and CMD have the circular split loader's hatch. Out of the plastic turret, the new Academy has casting numbers on the turret and mantlet while the Dragon turret has casting numbers on the turret top and the Academy turret is the only plastic turret that attempts any form of surface texturing.

Below are images of the turrets to illustrate the shape and features of each.

Academy #35010
Academy Academy Academy
Academy Academy