Hi,

Potentially an emotive topic, but here goes anyway...

I’m planning on building an out-of-the-box El Alamein era Sherman Oand need to pick between the Dragon and Tasca offerings... Which kit do you think offers the better value, in terms of both detail and accuracy?

Cheers,
Ian

Hi Ian,.

Both have pros and cons, so either way you should get a good Mk II DV.

Pat reviewed the Tasca kit here:

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/review/3496

I don't believe anyone has done the Dragon kit on site and I can't remember seeing a review of it, might have been one on ML but my links down at the monent.

Really just depends on what you want to spend. I think the Dragon kit has PE fenders, which could be good or bad depending on what you like and there was an issue with the transmission bolts on one but I can't remember which.

Al

Ian: I can't give you anything comprehensive. I only have the Tasca but the DML looks very good too. Tasca's transmission is problematic whereas DML's is better. However, the DML side slats (PE) look too big and chunky compared w/photos.

I've enjoyed the Tasca build -- but like I said, I'm sure I would have been happy w/DML too.

Ian, neither is without problems and a really superb kit can be made from combining both.
The DML kit has much better marking options but lacks a turret 50 cal and has issues with the PE for the non PE adept. I personally believe it has a more serious issue with the shape of the glacis which is like a flat plat with bumps and not faired in like the real examples I have seen

Tasca has an issue with the bolt strip for the transmission with raised bolts (should be semi recessed) and less marking options and only one type of grouser storage vent cover.

I have multiples of both and both will give a great kit so to me it would depend on Price. Go with the cheaper kit.
There was a lot of hype and misinformation spread about these kits and generally they are both really good kits with complimentary issues so go with what suits you.
Al

Thanks for the replies

It sounds like both kits are good, though not without issues... I'm tempted by the Tasca kit, not least as I have never built one of their models before!

Thanks again,
Ian

if you are looking for a dead on accurate kit

the dragon is missing the .50 cal, you have to look at how much it would cost for a good quality replacement. i dont know about other people, but i think i am more likely to realize the .50 cal is missing over the wrong bolts on the transmission cover.

yes the tasca is more money, but by the time you add in the cost of a replacement .50 cal, they are probably the same cost, at least much closer in price. also, if i am not mistaken, i remember reading there was an aftermarket transmission cover made of resin that had the correct bolts. i dont know if you would care enough to purchase it. then again, the tasca price gap rises.

Hi Mike,

Thanks -- the price difference for the base kits in the UK (from [url=http://www.sbxmodelshop.co.uk/]SBX Model Shop[/url at least) is about £4, so not too much.

Cheers,
Ian