Normally I do not like writing a news article without conclusive evidence, and preferably some reference to the kit on the manufacturer's website. Acting on a "tip off" from a very reliable source I set off in search of the mystical new Trumpeter range of kits. The only reference I had to work off was a suprising short thread on Missing-lynx. Eventually I found pictures of the elusive new 1/48 "Project Sherman" in my very own backyard.

Thanks go to Steve Zaloga and David Nickels at Missing-lynx for remembering some of the details, and Armorama's very own Chad Lebo (a.k.a. generalzod) for his photographic skills.

The official description...

Thanks to David Nickels...

"1/48 Tank Series - A new project by Trumpeter! Trumpeter's venture into 1/48 armor begins with the Sherman series. Expect the same high level of detail in 1/48 as you have seen in 1/35!"

**503 1/48 US M4A3 Sherman Tank SRP $19.95
145 parts on 6 sprues, markings for US Army

**504 1/48 US M4A3E8 "Easy Eight" Sherman Tank
211 parts on 6 sprues, markings for US Army"


Features include...

Thanks to Steve Zaloga...

"Early and late 75mm turrets
M4A1 late hull
M4 dry stowage hull
M4A3 wet hull
Both types of VVS suspension
Three wheels (stamped, spoked, dish)
HVSS suspension
At least three 76mm turrets (round loader's hatch, oval/no canvas mantlet, oval/canvas mantlet)"


Rumours abound as to exactly when Trumpeter will be releasing these kits - with "guess-timates" of everything from August to October 2005. So watch this space!


Again, thanks go to Steve Zaloga, David Nickels and Chad Lebo.


For more information on these and other products visit Trumpeter.


Please remember, that when ordering, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on Armorama.com