|
|
Forums - Modelling / Construction |
The construction forum is for the discussion of techniques on the construction phase of AFV modelling and the tools and materials used. |
| Topics | 1894 |
| Messages | 8731 |
|
|
| Subject: | Re: Italeri USMC M4A3 |  |
| Date: | May 3, 2003 |
| From: | David Nickels | |
| The kit is okay overall. It isn't the best M4A3 but not the worst either. The suspension is pretty good, and you get both spoked (uncommon) and pressed spoked wheels. Tracks are well detailed but stiff and will split and crack. The weakest area is the forward upper hull around the crew hatches, where the hull was cast. Italeri did a horrible job here. The molded on exhaust pipes are very poor, too, as are all of the pioneer tools and most hull and turret fittings. The turret itself is okay, but takes some work as the gun barrel is very poor. Essentially Italeri took parts from their Sherman series and mixed and matched this kit. It is essentially their older M4A3 Calliopie without the rockets but with wading trunks and wood armor. The biggest gripe with the USMC issue is what the tank actually purports to be. Italeri gives you parts to build an M4A2 by cutting out the engine deck and adding the new A2 deck. Unfortunately the rear of the upper hull should be different, as well as the rear hull panel and exhausts. The wooden plank armor is most suitable for an M4A2 as well. For an A3 I would leave the plank armor off. |
| |
|
|
|
