Veering away from more generic sets, Value Gear has introduced a series of more specific stowage sets with Sherman Engine Deck Sets. Here we are going to look at Sets #2 and #3.
Content
The small bags comes attached to a card stock label. The sets contain the following:
Sherman Engine Deck Set 2 – 6 pieces
Sherman Engine Desk Set 3 – 5 pieces
Review
Both sets come cast in the typical grey resin, with great looking casting and details. A look at the two sets from Value Gear showed no casting bubbles and minimal clean up on the bottom of the parts from the mold.
On both sets the detail is very well done, with great looking folds and creases on the canvas item and good looking wood grain on the wooden creates. Straps, buckles, and rope are very well done.
The parts represent piles stowage you might find stacked on the back of a M4 Sherman during World War 2. While the sets are meant to represent American units, some of them could pass for Commonwealth stowage as well.
Each set comes with a larger pile for the rear deck, some smaller parts for the sides, and a part that would be used to mount over the transmission cover on the front with a cast piece of wood that would be wedged in to hold up the stowage.
In Set #2 the larger rear stowage part has a cast in detail for placing a road wheel for added stowage, but does not contain the required wheel, thus you will need to pull one out of your spares.
A quick test fit of both sets onto the back of Dragon Sherman III, showed great looking fit and the draped effect of the stowage looking very good.
Conclusion
These two sets show the continuing quality coming from Value Gear and two great stowage sets that I would believe any builder would be proud so show off on the back of their Sherman build. The sets are well cast with great looking detail, and should stand out on any Sherman. Highly recommended.
SUMMARY
Highs: Great looking stowage for Shermans, great detail.Lows: One small thing, would have been nice to include road wheel.Verdict: A great option for adding stowage to a Sherman, highly recommended
Our Thanks to Value Gear! 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.
I am an IT Consultant and father, with a passion for plastic models. I mostly prefer 1/35 Armor and 1/48 Aircraft. My main interests are anything Canadian, as well as WW2 German and British Armor and Aircraft. I have been building models since I was a young kid, got away from it for awhile, but r...
Nice looking sets . They do look more US to me with the kitbag and US style packs , but extra kit can probaly be added to make them more varied.
I think its a good call leaving the choice of spare wheel to the modeler. Cast , spoked , welded , I can add the one that matches the wheels on my tank.
Goldnova that was my plan for the road wheel. That way the builder can choose whichever style or at least one that matches the others. I like to make things that are fairly customizable, giving the builder more options and ways to modify. I have a couple pics on my Facebook timeline of an m60 with the big engine deck bit from set #3 on the back.
They are all American but I am working on commonwealth packs and they will include a few 2ndary bits for turret stowage maybe it's a good idea to do a pack of commonwealth Sherman bits too. That might be a good plan. Thanks. Steve
Biggles , check Steve's web site . He shows you all 6 versions of Sherman deck stowage . A couple look like they would work for sure , the others might need a little putty to shim up a undercut .
Good idea on the Commonwealth style stowage Steve . But please check for clearences on the rear deck stowage of a Firefly , little bit longer turret.
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