I just noticed on the Perth Military Modeling Society web page a small blurb about four new kits coming from Academy in 2004. M4A2 Sherman Early Production, M3 Lee Bolted Hull, M3 Grant British, and M3 Lee Cast Hull. I don't know that much about Academy and if they are re-releases of older kits or new products, or how long you have to wait for new products, but these sound exciting to me.

I must say that this is pretty cool....

It's about time you allied types get some of the kits you've been "wishing for". I don't build allied stuff as a general rule, but if the quality rivals that of their M-10, I'll probably get the Sherman.

These would be all new kits, BTW, as I don't believe Academy has done any of these before.. of course I could be wrong on that.

Super news, and more power to 'em. Academy seems to be the one manufacturer that listens to the modeling public when it comes to subjects they chose. Now, when will they put out a "new" PzKpfw IV...... snap to it guys. hehehe

Later-
Jeff

These "future" releases have been posted for quite awhile now. Nonetheless, I await with baited breath!

I'm pretty sure Academy no longer re-pops Tamiya kits so these should be new toolings.
I have become a fan of thier kits. Let's hope they continue thier practice of including some interior detail.

As i mentioned in my previous messages, thease are the only ones i'm waiting for.
And..can imagine guys, if Academy decides to make an "M-32" or a "Canadian Ram" also for exemple !?! :-) Wow !
And off course (what's in my dreams..wihout any kitbashing anymore) that Academy produces and "M4A1 75 mm". Wouldn' it be great !?

Happy modellings

Academy has come a long way since the old days when they sold bootleg Tamiya kits. Whenever these kits come out, they should be well accepted. They will certainly be new toolings.

The M4A2 will likely have at least a rudimentary interior. They'll use the sprues out of the M10 kits for the lower hull and suspension, I'd imagine, as well as the driver/co-driver positions. The upper hull and turret (plus any other interior detail) would have to be new sprues.

The M3 medium tank series will be welcomed by many. The old Tamiya kits had some dimensional issues, as well as some wrongly-placed details. The biggest boo-boo were the six-spoke road wheels (should only have 5). I'll wager that Tamiya will re-release their old dogs, trying to sell them to folks who aren't aware of the new Academy kits on the way. Tamiya did this when AFV Club and Academy announced their M10s (and that Tamiya M10 REALLY was a dog -- bow-wow).

I for one cannot wait for the Lee and Grant. Cheers, Academy!

i'm with you m60a3.i can't wait for the grant.i'm keeping my fingers crossed that my wife gets me the honey for christmas.

What about the Desert Partol Vehicle (SEAL Dune buggy) they were promising in mid '90s. Was waiting for that kit for a loonnggg time till they announced it had been canned. Would have been a great little model.

The 4 Academy kits announced for 2004 will be new tool kits. The M4 will be based on the M10 kit chassis. Look for them to hit the market sometime in 2007!

The M36 Took 3 years after it was announced to hit the market.

I for one can't wait. I saw those kits on VLS's website (alas, no photos yet) a while ago. I've been waiting for a new Grant/Lee kit for a very long time. I plan on seeing a lot of Academy boxes on my shelves in the future.

If we are lucky this will force Tamiya-San to start chucking out some of their old moulds (Stuart, Lee/Grant etc.etc.etc.) and get the elves to work in producing what we need, Centurion family (remoulds not re-release) and dare one say it...Allied softskins and Artillery, a rework of the Churchill wouldn't be bad either nor would some Valentines. How about a Scammell (or 6)...Jim (ever optimistic)

I don't remember Academy promising a DPV/FAV, I think that was DML.
But they did promise an IDF Centurion more than 10 yrs ago and we waitied for more than 5 years for a Merkava II.
They have been better lately, but I still take Academy release lists with a large grain of salt.
Then again, I take almost ALL manufacturers lists with same salt.

my US$0.02

Mike