Value Gear offers a variety of stowage and accessory sets for vehicles in 1/35th scale. They have now added to their line-up with a set of stowage sets specifically made to fit vehicles based on the M4 medium tank.
THE KIT
Sherman Engine deck set #1 comes in a zip closing bag and features five molded resin parts. The resin is clean and I found no flaws in this set. Some minor cleanup will be needed along the rear of the pieces where the pour line is.
There is one large piece made to fit the rear engine deck of the Sherman tank, with boxes, tarps and tent rolls. The stowage pieces sit on a large tarp that is draped hanging over the edge of the engine deck. It appears molded specifically on an M4A3 but fits the rear deck of my M4 composite hull just fine. Value Gear states that to properly secure the stowage, place ropes or tie downs as you would expect to see them, and then carefully cut into the surface of the stowage with a triangular file to create the indentations for the ropes in the fabric material.
The next piece is a board with two crates molded on it, to fit across the transmission cover on the M4 series. My sample fits on the braces of the drive sprocket fenders, but just barely.
The other three pieces are for placement on the turret. Two are tarps, one with a duffel bag, that are molded on a bar common to field improvised modifications for hanging stowage. The third piece is a pair of duffel bags. The pieces are molded flat for a round turret. Value gear states on their website that the pieces can be placed in very hot water for 20 or 30 seconds and then pressed into the desired shape.
I painted the pieces to show some of the variety and detail of the parts. There is room on the board piece for a spare road wheel, oil or jerry can, and the rear deck stowage could be carefully shaped to accept such items as well.
CONCLUSION
Value Gear has scored a hit with this set. Easy to use, just trim and clean up the back surface, paint and set in place. The side stowage pieces can be shaped to fit the side of the turret. The set has been made as useful and user friendly as possible. For questions on how to use the set, information is posted at the Value Gear website.
This set is priced at $15.00 US at the Value Gear website. My thanks to Value Gear and Armorama for this sample.
SUMMARY
Highs: Easy to use, can be modified to fit the vehicle, very good molding. Lows: None notedVerdict: This is an excellent option for Sherman modelers seeking to add some stowage.
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.
About Russ Amott (russamotto) FROM: UTAH, UNITED STATES
I got back into the hobby a few years back, and wanted to find ways to improve, which is how I found this site. Since joining Armorama I have improved tremendously by learning from others here, and have actually finished a couple of kits. I model to relax and have fun, but always look to improve. ...
Steve, it is the Dragon M4 composite. Looking at your offerings I think I will need another Sherman so I can get another of your stowage sets. You make an excellent product.
thanks russ, we checked lots of shermies with the sets and most seemed to fit pretty easy and good, I thought about making the wood plank longer so people can cut it to fit next time I make molds. it seems to be a little wider between the fenders on that kit, most of the other kits I checked were alot closer fit than that.
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