As part of my attempt to build and represent a tank from each of the Squadrons of RWY at El Alamein, i am well on the way with my build of the Dragon Grant, i wanted to see if there was a comparison between the two models by Dragon and Tasca of the Sherman II.

I have searched the forum but cant find anything. Is there anything to merit one over the other?

Cheers

Nev

Neville,

The Tasca review is here:

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

I think it is also reviewed on PMMS. The DML kit doesn't seem to have many web reviews.

I don't know about the DML kit, but the Tasca one will not disappoint.

Hope this helps,

Tom

The Tasca M4A1 is the way to go in almost all areas would be happy with eit excepting the Decals options. The DML kit shines in this area with nearly three times as many schemes.
THe DML kit is quite good and has PE skirts etc whilst the Tasca has them in Plastic. No turret mounted 50 cal is included in the DML kit which is a problem for an Alamein vintage one despite what DML say.
I have reservations about the glacis on the DML which looks like a flat plate with raised hoods and not a fared casting like the real thing but that is just my opinion. I think you would be happy with either but for my money the Tasca one is the best and a lot more enjoyable to build with no fit issues around the Transmission housing or gaps that need to be filled. About the only real accuracy bug is the rear lights which need to have simple surgery to reduce the mount as they got it wrong. 20 seconds with a sharp scalpel.

THey are about the same price here but vary around the planet. Even given a 30 % price difference I'd opt for the Tasca.
Al

From an earlier post on this:
Bob, there isn't a comparison review as such but many posts on ML and Armarama etc of comparisons between the kits but usually the Alamein version. You did well to get one here for only $70 Aus, the cheapest I have seen is $72 at my local who are generally cheap.
The 50 in the words of DML's mouthpiece wasn't included because they were only on propaganda pictures of the vehicles. I think they just overlooked it and instead of admitting it they just shot all the nay sayers.
I am not convinced with the shape of the front glacis on the DML kit as it appears as a flat sheet with the hoods stuck on and not the subtle fairing of the real thing. I know there are differences between castings but these are quite different to any pics or actuals I have seen.
The DML kit only offers PE like you say but it isn't hard with basic soldering skills.

As I see it here are the pros of the DML kit
Decals - more options (Alamein)
PE - tool straps etc
Grouser covers - all types
Tracks - one piece

Here are the cons:
Glacis and front hull shape poor IMHO
Only one type of Air cleaner
Bogie Articulation
No 50 Cal
Sunshade rail brackets are massively overscale

Tasca Pros
Hull shape
Buildability
Bogey articulation
50 Cal (best in 35th IMHO)
Optional Air cleaners

Cons:
two piece tracks (They are accurate just a pin to join with no visible join)
Not all grouser cover types included
Transmission cover strip does not have recessed or semi recessed bolt heads
Sunshade rails are poorly defined but easily corrected
Only three Marking options

This may look like they are both bad kits but I have to say I really like both and think they are great kits. Most of these faults are easily corrected.

A very welconme subject and one I hope is followed up by an M4A2 DV and M4DV by either company or even Academy (Long rumoured release)

Cheers
Al

Al and Tom,

Thank you very much for your replies.

It seems i shall look for the Tasca kit in preference over the Dragon offering then.

Cheers

Nev

The Tasca Sherman II is wonderful. The only tweaks I would recommend are 1) the top transmission bolt strip should plainly attach to the transmission -- you need to fill the seam. Here's a picture of mine before I put in filler




Here's the filled in seam:


Also, modify the tail light posts


For more pics go here
http://s45.photobucket.com/albums/f74/ericadeane/Sherman%20II%20Cricklade/#!cpZZ2QQtppZZ16

Of course this all leads to the next question!!!

What about Crusader kits but the can wait awhile

Italeri, Italeri or Italeri (Mk 1, Mk II and Mk III) also reboxed (mk III) by Revell , Tamiya Japan (home market), Tomy and Revell in 35th. Tamiya do a pair in 48th.
The Italeri kits all are modifications of there 1970's Mk III. They aren't bad despite their age and add some new tracks and fenders for a nice kit.
Al