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In-Box Review
135
M4A3E8 Sherman
M4A3E8 Sherman 'Easy Eight' w/ T66 Tracks
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by: Jim Starkweather [ STAFF_JIM ]

The M4A3E8 Sherman earned the nickname "Easy 8" from its experimental designation (E8). This new variant entered into WWII late in the war (Dec 1944). It sported the much vaunted HVSS (horizontal volute spring suspension) wide track and suspension upgrade. This gave the tank a much better ride and more stable firing platform. The M4A3E8 was so successful that it was the used during the post WWII years, in Korea, and even by many other countries during the cold war period.

The Kit

Tasca has release several Shermans recently. This is just another in what would be considered a boon to allied modelers. This variant is certainly a 'fan' favorite of modelers, being produced in many scales over the years. However this kit by Tasca appears to be very well researched and detailed. It does offers a couple of different build options for the kit maker. For one you can select between (2) different 76mm guns; one with the late period muzzle brake, and one without. An extra gun barrel is also included, but I get the impression many extra parts from prior Sherman releases may be on these sprues, and luckily Tasca's instructions seemed to be solid.

The HVSS system is designed to articulate so it will be important not to glue the wrong parts. There is an insert included with our release that corrects a mistake to the HVSS portion of the instructions. The kit also include T66 track links. This is a very nice addition to this kit and will certainly help add value for the modeler.

The hull is actually made from distinct flat pieces of plastic, which is a rarity these days. Of course the differential cover is a single piece of molded plastic, just like the real thing.

There is so much detail and intricacy in this kit. For example the 50mm gun has no less than 15 parts once fully mounted. There is even a spare barrel and an optional barrel without a handle. The Jerry cans can be made in two different styles (water/gas) and are made of (4) separate parts! The main can, the top of the can, the handle and the cap. A clear plastic commander's cupola is included (with a plain plastic version) to achieve a nice effect with the glass vision blocks. There are also photo-etched parts for the periscope guard and light guard.

Decals and Markings

There are decals and marking diagrams for four different units during WWII.

  • 5th Armored Division, April 1945
  • 66th Tank Battalion, 2nd Armored Div. Tueven, Belgium, February 1945
  • 35th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Div. Bastogne, February 1945
  • 8th Amored Division, Kirchhellen, Germany, March 1945


Painting

The paint schemes are all in plain olive drab. Tamiya Colors are used in the instructions and a chart is provided to match those codes to GSI (Gunze Sangyo) as well.

Conclusions

As stated earlier this is a highly detailed kit. And as I am not an expert on this variant (nor Sherman tanks as a whole) I will leave the nit-picking to others. As Tasca is known for their attention to detail and higher cost, it's probably no surprise that this kit will be highly sought after by allied AFV fans. Highly recommended.
SUMMARY
Highs: Excellent details and production quality.
Lows: Cost may be prohibitive to some modelers.
Verdict: Overall another great Sherman release by Tasca!
Percentage Rating
93%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 35-020
  Suggested Retail: 5700 ¥
  PUBLISHED: Sep 21, 2010
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 89.91%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 92.94%

Our Thanks to Tasca!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Jim Starkweather (staff_Jim)
FROM: NEW HAMPSHIRE, UNITED STATES

I started building models in 1971 when I was 6. My first model was a 1/32 P-40 Warhawk. Revell I believe. From there I moved onto the standard cars, Apollo spacecraft, and other kid orientated kits. I don't know what got me started on Armor. I must have seen a Monogram tank kit one day and said "Mom...

Copyright ©2021 text by Jim Starkweather [ STAFF_JIM ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

The mail man just droped one of these off at my house today........
SEP 20, 2010 - 05:38 PM
Mine arrived a couple of weeks ago !
SEP 20, 2010 - 06:02 PM
Where did you guys order yours from? I think I see my hard earned bills trying to form themselves into the shape of a tank
SEP 20, 2010 - 06:37 PM
Ebay........
SEP 21, 2010 - 02:11 AM
Tasca direct
OCT 07, 2010 - 08:58 PM
Hello Sherman Gurus, Why did Tasca choose to use the T66 tracks instead of the T80 tracks on their M4A3E8? Not knowing much about the HVSS suspension or track types was the T66 track more common than the T80 track? To me if Tasca would have used the T80 track they could have covered off both WWII and Korean War M4A3E8s.....or was the T66 track used in Korea as well? Thanks for any solid answers.
OCT 12, 2010 - 02:35 PM
T66 track were the type more commonly seen on early HVSS equipped Shermans. T80 track would've started showing up in the last couple of months of operations in the ETO. It's use was widespread post-war although you could find a few stragglers still equipped with T66 in Korea. I'm sure they'll be releasing a T80 equipped M4A3(76)HVSS real soon and it'll have Korean War markings. Chris "toadman" Hughes Toadman's Tank Pictures
OCT 12, 2010 - 07:02 PM
Thanks for the explanation....I hope they do produce an M4A3E8 with T80 tracks.....and include markings for the Canadian M4A3E8s in Korea!
OCT 14, 2010 - 02:40 PM
I like this one, but I realy hope they will do the IDF M51 one day.
OCT 18, 2010 - 07:17 PM
   
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