I just recieved this kit in the mail (:-) any advice on building it? it is a tamiya kit. please respond with any info on this kit or any suggestions on building.

Airwarrior:
typical tamiya needs sponson filling blanks.get a metal gun tube.
texture the hull,it is kinda smooth.I recomend A/M tracks,but that is your choice.
http://thumbs.webshots.com/sym/na0/4/6/38/57040638NwiFdJ_th.jpg
or; http://community.webshots.com/user/tankcarl

If you don´t want to spend extra money, build it just out of the box with some improvements such as giving texture, replacing the handles with cooper wire, hollow & make good looking headlights, make extra equipment from scratchbuilt, etc... It´s a Tamiya kit.

Personally, I didn't think the 105mm gun tube was bad at all.

No,it is a good tube,but I like the heft and definite roundness of a metal barrel.

I agree with csch....this kit is one of Tamiya's best for building OOB. A couple of corrections like covering in the sponsons and you're off and running. Have fun with it...it's a great little kit for you to work on. :-)

will post pics soon

Quick tweaks list for the Sherman M4A3 (105mm)
1. Fill sponsons (go here for a template: http://www.archertransfers.com/WEB%20pictures/ShermanFix.pdf
2. Redo the weld seams on the hull -- the real thing had raised welds, not recessed
3. Add three hex bolts to the bottom of the VVS suspension housing (see references)
4. PE if you want, otherwise thin out the light guards
5. Thicken the right cheek of the turret -- kinda complex to do. This was a later war modification. I can send you pics of mine if you want.
6. Thin the deflector if you're inclined (see here: http://mmcalc.tripod.com/Shermans/M4A3_exhaust_deflector/Exhaust_deflector.htm)
7. add the canvas mantlet cover bar (see the pictures in the following link: http://mmcalc.tripod.com/Shermans/M4_105/M4_105.html)

There are more inane tweaks but this should suffice. email me if you want more. [email protected]

I will take care of these improvements in my next M4A3 also. Thanks.