I stopped in my LHS today and saw this one staring at me. I kept telling myself no, but picked it up anyway. Are there any particular pitfalls to this kit? I did notice that there does not appear to be much detail to it but I have not had a chance to really look at it that close yet.

Thanks

Depnding on which on eit is, here are a couple reviews from PMMS:

M4 Sherman Early Production

M4A1

Personally haven't built it, no desire to switch to 1/48 armor.

I have never had a big need to go 1/48 either. I just picked it up because of all of the flak about them lately. After opening the box I am looking at probably the fewest amount of parts and slimmest detail I have seen in a kit. I should have picked up the new Tamiya Stug instead, but I am gonna build the sherman to practice for a regular sized (1/35) one!!!

I think it's all about what you're expecting Mark. I knew going into it that the Tamiya M4 wasn't the most detailed kit, nor was it comparable as say, the 1/35 DML M4A1 for ultra detailing. However, it's a quick build (how often can we say that? LOL) and mine is going to be a gift for a friend.

There are super detail sets out there for people who want to go the extra mile. I just filled in the sponsons, filled some seams and added some welding at the base of the front glacis applique armor. I resisted the PE treatment, adding bolts to the bottom of the VVS units or doing the hull welds (I can't imagine doing a 1/35 Sherman w/o correcting these omissions).

It was a fun build -- that's all it was. Not a show winner, not something that I'll send to a site gallery or magazine. Just an item that my grateful friend will really enjoy.

That being said, I've heard that the newer Tamiya 1/48 releases and the kits offered by Skybow and soon to be Trumpeter will push the envelope in terms of accuracy. Good to hear!

I am completely looking forward to building it. My only problem with detail is that I was in that mindset-I had just completed Dragon Panzer IV and a 251. I was kinda programmed with tiny, impossible to see parts (for me anyway). After opening it up and looking at everything very close I anticipate having fun with it. Looks like it will take up a heck of alot less shelf space as well. It looks like it will be a fun break.

Thanks

I picked up a couple of them to build them into the different variants with the optional parts. Nice little kits, quick builds.

I justify building these litle models, by forcing myself to experiment on a new painting/weathering technique on each one. Considering it takes me no longer than 6 hrs to slap them together, I won't feel too badly if I screw it up! :-)

Agreed Frank, I got most of it together last night. I am thinking I will try Lifecolor paint on it. I have done a couple of others with this paint and love the way it looks when done. Some of that paint looks nice and sun bleached-faded without any additional help. The I can concentrate more on weathering.

PS- I have seen some of yours and they look great! I can only wish that mine would come out half as good. If it comes out alright I may actually post it.

Just as Frank said, they are great to try weathering techniques that you might be shy to attempt on your latest DML Uber-kit.

And as I said, they're cool gifts for relatives and friends at the end of the day. I enjoyed mine but won't be displaying it anywhere prominent nor will I be lugging it to contests. Voila! Unique, personal gift for my friend who did me a great favor.

Roy, I do like the idea of using them as a gift. Something I probably would not of thought of myself. It would not be like giving away an expensive DML!!

Hello everyone!
This is my first post here in this forum!

I noticed a conversation about one of my favourites tanks and I could not resist joining in...
I don't think I would spend 25-30€ to get a 1/48 scale tank!
It's not as common as the 1/35 scale, and I think it would also be more difficult to get photo etched or resin casted parts to detail them...
I've never build a Sherman before, so my Christmas present was the new Italeri Sherman 1/35 kit (which should be a re-edition. I had the chance to get some pieces from that kit and they don't differ that much).
I spent €30 for it, but at least it's not as small as an 1/48 one, isn't it?

Do you mean to say this is an EXACT reduced copy of the 1/35 M4?!? Can't see myself dickin' around with 1/48 sponson fillers...