A new kit from Dragon allows modelers to build either an M4A3 105mm howitzer tank or an M4A3(76)W.
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Dragon: M4(105) Howitzer Tank / M4A3(76)W (2 in 1)
varanusk
Managing Editor
Joined: July 04, 2013
KitMaker: 1,288 posts
Armorama: 942 posts
Posted: Wednesday, September 18, 2019 - 09:02 PM UTC
A new kit from Dragon allows modelers to build either an M4A3 105mm howitzer tank or an M4A3(76)W.
Read the Full News Story
If you have comments or questions please post them here.
Thanks!
Charby
Joined: September 26, 2006
KitMaker: 78 posts
Armorama: 78 posts
Posted: Thursday, September 19, 2019 - 01:07 AM UTC
Hmmm... not much new under the sun.
I wonder how they've dealt with the differences in the rear hull between the M4 and M4A3.
I wonder how they've dealt with the differences in the rear hull between the M4 and M4A3.
Taeuss
Joined: January 03, 2016
KitMaker: 3,791 posts
Armorama: 3,778 posts
Posted: Friday, September 20, 2019 - 09:07 AM UTC
Indeed. Probably didn't. Nonetheless it is nice that Allied armour is also being included in this "Got Nothing New To Offer You" Two in One offer. The Axis shouldn't have all the fun.
barkingdigger
Associate Editor
#013
Joined: June 20, 2008
KitMaker: 3,981 posts
Armorama: 3,403 posts
Posted: Friday, September 20, 2019 - 09:20 AM UTC
They missed the big rear hull differences, but added "bend it yourself" PE duckbills with a plastic stamping press? I think I'll pass...
m4sherman
Joined: January 18, 2006
KitMaker: 1,866 posts
Armorama: 1,808 posts
Posted: Friday, September 20, 2019 - 10:50 AM UTC
It's not very clear if there will be two hulls, or you use the 'A3 hull and cut it down.
I'll pass. I have the 105 in the stash, and I like the RFM and Meng M4A3's.
I'll pass. I have the 105 in the stash, and I like the RFM and Meng M4A3's.
GeraldOwens
Joined: March 30, 2006
KitMaker: 3,736 posts
Armorama: 3,697 posts
Posted: Friday, September 20, 2019 - 11:30 AM UTC
Quoted Text
A new kit from Dragon allows modelers to build either an M4A3 105mm howitzer tank or an M4A3(76)W.
Read the Full News Story
If you have comments or questions please post them here.
Thanks!
This is a puzzling release. It would have made sense to offer the M4A3 gun and howitzer tanks as a two-in-one kit, since it would only require a turret swap, but the box specifies an M4 Howitzer tank and an M4A3 gun tank as options. Dragon has offered both of these versions separately, but I wonder if they are actually including two full upper hulls, tail plates and turrets in one box. You can't just swap engine decks--the upper tail plates are at drastically different angles. If the M4 upper hull is not included, one could always build it as an M4A3 howitzer tank, of course. And I note that Dragon has still not corrected the hinge mounts for the gun travel lock.
Fumbledbitz
Joined: June 08, 2010
KitMaker: 6 posts
Armorama: 5 posts
Posted: Monday, September 23, 2019 - 12:36 AM UTC
Just checked Hobby Search and found this description, "M4A3 series, 2in1 kit that can be assembled by selecting either M4A3 (76) W type with 76.2mm gun or 105mm howitzer". I think Dragon have simply messed up with their early box art/poster. Clearly both versions use the supplied M4A3 hull, the M4 references (text and pics)are simply a mistake.
See https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10633470
See https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10633470
m4sherman
Joined: January 18, 2006
KitMaker: 1,866 posts
Armorama: 1,808 posts
Posted: Monday, September 23, 2019 - 11:18 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Just checked Hobby Search and found this description, "M4A3 series, 2in1 kit that can be assembled by selecting either M4A3 (76) W type with 76.2mm gun or 105mm howitzer". I think Dragon have simply messed up with their early box art/poster. Clearly both versions use the supplied M4A3 hull, the M4 references (text and pics)are simply a mistake.
See https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10633470
You might be right. Once we see some pictures of the sprues in the kit we'll know for sure. Dragon has done some strange things in the past.
RobinNilsson
TOS Moderator
Joined: November 29, 2006
KitMaker: 6,693 posts
Armorama: 5,562 posts
Posted: Monday, September 23, 2019 - 11:39 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextJust checked Hobby Search and found this description, "M4A3 series, 2in1 kit that can be assembled by selecting either M4A3 (76) W type with 76.2mm gun or 105mm howitzer". I think Dragon have simply messed up with their early box art/poster. Clearly both versions use the supplied M4A3 hull, the M4 references (text and pics)are simply a mistake.
See https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10633470
You might be right. Once we see some pictures of the sprues in the kit we'll know for sure. Dragon has done some strange things in the past.
Box-art by the Black Label crew?
/ Robin
GeraldOwens
Joined: March 30, 2006
KitMaker: 3,736 posts
Armorama: 3,697 posts
Posted: Monday, September 23, 2019 - 05:43 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Just checked Hobby Search and found this description, "M4A3 series, 2in1 kit that can be assembled by selecting either M4A3 (76) W type with 76.2mm gun or 105mm howitzer". I think Dragon have simply messed up with their early box art/poster. Clearly both versions use the supplied M4A3 hull, the M4 references (text and pics)are simply a mistake.
See https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10633470
Except the poster includes an image of an M4 engine deck as well as the M4A3 deck. What isn't clear is whether they are including the matching M4 hull. As others have said, we'll have to wait for the plastic,
Bravo1102
Joined: December 08, 2003
KitMaker: 2,864 posts
Armorama: 2,497 posts
Posted: Monday, September 23, 2019 - 08:21 PM UTC
I hope they updated the instructions to match the little updates they've made to the molds over the years.
And revised the canvas cover mounts on the 105mm. They're still undersized to fit their original too small mantle.
Nearly all the parts for a 75mm gun tank are on the howitzer turret sprue. Wouldn't it have been easier to do a 3 in 1 M4A3? 75, 76 and 105mm armed M4A3?
A lot about this doesn't make sense. But then how Dragon includes practically whole other kits for one part on a sprue has never made sense to me. Why not two full hulls?
And revised the canvas cover mounts on the 105mm. They're still undersized to fit their original too small mantle.
Nearly all the parts for a 75mm gun tank are on the howitzer turret sprue. Wouldn't it have been easier to do a 3 in 1 M4A3? 75, 76 and 105mm armed M4A3?
A lot about this doesn't make sense. But then how Dragon includes practically whole other kits for one part on a sprue has never made sense to me. Why not two full hulls?
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