introduction

Not meant as a review, this is merely a quick look at a new set of photo etch from Eduard, this time for the Hobby Boss M4A3 Sherman, kit # 84805.

As usual, the set comes with comprehensive instructions explaining where to cut and what to replace. The set consists of two reasonable-sized frets of PE, and the instructions run to six sides, giving some idea if the complexity of the set.

What you get is a whole load of improvements to the Hobby Boss Sherman, including new engine air intake grills which slot together, so if you're careful you shouldn't need to solder them, periscope guards, although these do look a bit flat, you might get away with it at this scale, and a lot of small fixtures and fittings for the outside of the vehicle.

The front fenders are replaced, and for these to look effective you'll have to use something like a ballpoint pen to make the typical ribs, but it's a method I've used before, and it works well. The brush guards over the headlights are replaced, and these will look particularly effective. There's a new piece for the front of the hull where you could place stowage, and new straps provided for all the on vehicle tools etc. New barrels are provided for the .30 cals, but as you'll have to role these into a cylinder yourself, these might prove difficult. There are new brackets provided to hold the spare track links which are complicated to fold, but having used them before, at least in the larger scale of 1/35th, they will look effective once constructed. The hardest part will be removing the moulded on ones if you have to use them, as opposed to having some you could use in your spares box.

New sand shield attachment strips are provided, along with tiny etched chains for all the fuel filler caps etc. There is also a stowage rack for the rear..........at least that's what I think it it...........but it's a Sherman!

Atop the turret, you get a choice, of upgrading the .30 cal or .50 cal with new mount, ammo box, sights etc., and again there are a plethora of tiny fixtures and fittings for the turret itself.