hi there, this really looks interesting. cant wait for the release! cheers!

Dragon has announced an M4A3 HVSS with 105mm as well, see PMMS about it.

Well, no they haven't actually. From an inside source, I can more or less say 100% that this WON'T be announced in Tokyo. DML has made no announcement of this sort whatsoever, the story actually came from HLJ - not DML....

here's the source of the story: http://www.hlj.com/product/DRA6354

That's a wise marketing move by DML. Given the niceties of their M4A3 HVSS "Thunderbolt" it is very easy to add the 105 turret and the M1A1 dozer blade Their hull and HVSS are nicer than what I imagine Academy will be able to produce. There has been some discussion about the strange bulge on the right turret wall too -- maybe the same kit designer as the M3 Lee turret? LOL The Academy turret does not appear to have the thickened cheek either. This along with that strange vertical bulge may doom this kit given DML's efforts at accuracy (we know they already have a correctly bulged 105 turret from their M4A3 HVSS POA) I think I'll wait to see DML's (list price about USD32 as well!) Sherman modellers should note that the M1A1 Dozer equipment was specificaly designed for 23-inch HVSS Shermans. The M1 Dozer (released by Trakz, Resicast and Verlinden) fits the earlier standard VVS Shermans.

YES!!! :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

Roy, it isn't a nice marketing move by anyone. The M4a3 (HVSS) has NOT been officially announced by DML at all. You are absolutely correct saying that it's a logical release though, with the quality of the hull/suspension components they have from 'Thunderbolt' it won't take them a lot of investment to do the full 105mm kit. Regarding the Academy 105, I am (sadly) still getting a certain nervous feeling about that turret - hopefully what the reviews will counter that...Jim

Well, no they haven't actually. From an inside source, I can more or less say 100% that this WON'T be announced in Tokyo. DML has made no announcement of this sort whatsoever, the story actually came from HLJ - not DML....[/quote] Yeah, well, I only saw it at PMMS, so that's all. Hey, maybe your inside source can tell what's up with the late Tiger-E #6253, I can't find that one anywhere!

Looks like a "dustbin chucker" to me :-) :-) Another must have kit Good to see a dozer blade for the E8 Sherman out Thanks for the info Jim