M4 Sherman Early Split Hatch TC's Cupola
(Kit #353017)
1/35th Scale
Reviews by Terry Ashley
The Cupola ring is cast with excellent hinge details and inside details of pad sections and latch details. There is a very subtle casting texture added to the cupola ring while there are no casting numbers added. There are numerous photos of the cupola rings without casting numbers as well as with them so this approach will allow the addition of numbers if required to depict any configuration.
The hatches are fairly plain as per the real things but nicely cast with good texture on the inner pad section with additional securing latch and the periscopes being the only additions but you will also need to add the grab handles from thin wire as well as the two small rings on the inside of each hatch, there are holes already included for the rings to be attached to make the job easier.
The .50cal MG support is very finely cast and proves parts for the early folding type or later upright clips depending on your choice. The .50cal pintle attachment also includes the small locking handle for added detail definition.
The cupola ring is a perfect fit to the Tamiya M4A3 (Kit #35122) turret but will require the cupola opening on the Tamiya M4A3 (kits #35250, 35251) to be enlarged slightly while the Tamiya M4 (kit #35190) and all the Dragon kits will need the cupola opening enlarged by about .5mm for a good fit and while this shouldn’t be any real problem always check the fit on the target kit before any cutting.
There are no instructions with the set but most modellers will have references on these but there is nothing difficult in the comstruction.
Overall a superbly cast update set for the Sherman that require no or only minor mods to the target kit and will add considerable detail definition to any Sherman it is used on.
References:
| SHERMAN A History
of the American Medium Tank R.P.Hunnicutt. Presidio Books ISBN 0-89141-080-5  |
Page Created 4 October 2004