Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 05:11 AM UTC
The battle of the Shermans continues with Dragon Models unveiling the poster for their M4a1.
We've now been given a glimpse (albeit with CAD images) of Dragon Models' new Sherman:

DRA6447 - El Alamein Sherman (Smart Kit)

Details have just been listed and they are:

Turret:

- One-piece early 75mm gun turret has cast texturre
- Commander's hatch w/periscope assembly
- Bolted connecting plate for gun shield attachment rendered in fine detail
- Two types of gun barrels are slide molded w/hollow end

Upper Hull:

- Completely new slide-molded upper hull w/realistic cast detail
- Newly tooled glacis w/direct vision hoods accurately reproduced
- Newly designed driver's and radio operator's direct vision slots w/clear periscope assemblies
- Direct vision covers can be modeled open/closed
- Detailed fighting compartment ventilator
- Brand new photo-etched OVM clasps display sublte detail
- Photo-etched light guards included
- Special device included to bend specific photo-etched parts to correct angle
- Newly designed engine deck w/air-intake cover
- Newly tooled tail lamps imitate the real items
- Detailed lifting eyes w/weld pattern
- Two options for cutouts on engine compartment cover
- Options for engine ventilator covers


Lower Hull and Rear:

- Chassis made by 2-directional slide mold; bolts and rivets delicately represented on hull
- Newly tooled one-piece slide-molded transmission cover w/realistic cast detail
- Fenders made from photo-etched parts to represent actual thickness
- Finely detailed photo-etched storage box brackets is new
- Photo-etched parts for fender attachment strip
- New rear hull armor plate w/air filters and engine compartment rear doors
- Finely detailed air filters newly tooled


Suspension, Wheel and Tracks:

- Fully detailed brand new T41 DS tracks
- Suspension bogies w/realistic cast detail; towing eyes included
- Realistically reproduced suspension system
- Idler mount is new
- New idler wheels have delicate detail


Not many suprises as they've been publishing a series of 'Inside Stories' in the last week or so on their website. However, there are a number of interesting conundrums with this this release...

Firstly, DML were first to announce a DV (Direct Vision) hulled M4a1. The first we knew of the Tasca release was a few days before it was officially announced. Despite the fact that Tasca are distributed by DragonUSA, there has been a distinctly unpleasant campaign against their M4a1.

So, going by the images that have just been released, pretty much along the same lines and doubtless this will be a few dollars cheaper. Amongst the many features listed, there is one which is VERY welcome - a plastic former to bend the PE for the front headlight guards. Not as innovative as some may have you believe - Bronco include this one as standard...

It's a VERY welcome release indeed - the comparative Reviews will be worth reading!

Meanwhile, as a taster of what to expect - the images of the new model.
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Comments

Looks good. Lucky I waited to build one of those Pink ones.
OCT 06, 2008 - 11:24 PM
Fine Molds also include plastic pieces as formers for PE parts in their kits. It's still a good idea though for annoying shapes like Sherman light guards. BTW the habit of removing one leaf of the commander's hatch continued into the Sicily campaign. David
OCT 06, 2008 - 11:42 PM
Finally there is photo-etched for the tools. Thanks Dragon.
OCT 26, 2008 - 07:43 AM
Well bless my one-piece idlers! Some welcome additions, although calling their suspension system 'realistically reproduced' is a bit of a stretch if the bogey arms still don't 'operate' independently... The lifting eye detail is great, as are the tail-lights if the images are to be perceived as accurate. I hope they aren't in that 'clear' plastic... PE tie-downs are a nice touch and score points in my book. (Assuming there was ever a competition between companies ) So what is the latest word on the accuracy of the direct vision slots? They are a fair bit different to another companies' version... Brad * *(Trying to get his own special nickname )
OCT 26, 2008 - 09:00 PM
Demonstrating how damned confusing the CAD images are, I have to express a few doubts as to the 'step' which seems to be between the transmission and the front glacis. Now, if actual images were available, I wouldn't bring this up...
OCT 26, 2008 - 09:16 PM
The step does seem exaggerated compared to this battered US Army M4A1 David
OCT 27, 2008 - 12:15 AM
With most retail outlets here in the U.S. asking around $50 (Great Models - $50.35; e-Hobbyland - $46.99), I think I'll pass. After all, Dragon's Tiger I Initial Production (No. 6252) cost me $21.95 in 2002; adjusted for inflation, that works out to $26.42 in 2008 (http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl). There is little to convince me that the latest Dragon's kits should cost an additional $20 beyond adjustments for inflation, even in today's economy. Sorry for the rant; I'm just concerned that kit manufacturers and their respective retailers are squeezing a bit too hard for some of us to remain faithful to the hobby.
DEC 09, 2008 - 01:37 PM
John, yes, I understand where you're coming from on this, but it isn't exclusively the fault of the manufacturers - the Importers and distributors are sending the prices up more than the producers. In the middle of this are the retailers. I'm afraid, (even if I had one) economically, I find it difficult to support the LHS' as I once did and my CC details are liable to go to Hong Kong or Japan....
DEC 09, 2008 - 10:00 PM
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