Hi Guys,
I am entering the Irzyk and Abrams' DML M4's to the Tank aces campaign and need some info re. the engine deck louvre supports. Q is : Should they be there on any later A3 (like the A3E8 of Irzyk) or on all A3's ? Have they really been missed by all manufacturers ? I guess the earlier VVSS ones didn't neccessarily have them, but the later ones (HVSS) had them. Actually I have not found a single pic of Albin F.Irzyk's tank so I am only guessing ...
thanks for your help - Andreas -

As near as I can tell, all M4A3s had the supports for the engine deck doors. The only kit I can recall including these was the Blast Models M4A3E2 conversion kit. I can't be absolutely certain that my facts are right, but I'm sure that if they're not one of the other fine members of this site will set the record straight.

All M4A3s had the engine bay door supports on them. This is a good way to spot A3s.

Chris

Yup, every kit maker has missed such an easy-to-add detail.

One exception: M4A3 75mm dry-stowage tanks (you know, the ones with small hatches and a low-bustle turret) didn't have them. When these tanks were rebuilt, they added torsion bars to the engine deck doors to keep them from pulling the hinges off when the doors were open.

Another thing to look out for Andreas: remove the oval hatches at the rear corners of the engine deck. These were part of the early M4A3s only -- not for any of the 47 degree hull.

And the answer is YES, every manufacturer has missed them except for the excellent Blast M4A3E2 kit.

Can anyone show me a pic of what those supports look like?

You can see one in this picture. It's the rectangular piece of metal sticking up behind the shovel handle. A clearer shot is available here.

Chris "toadman" Hughes
Toadman's Tank Pictures

thanks guys, another bit to add.... seems like DML should overhaul their A3 hull to get it to their A1 state. Thanks Roy, I will machine them away !