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Forums - Modelling / Kits |
The kits forum is for the discussion of model kits. Typically questions on availability or certain subjects and quality of existing kits are posted here. Short reviews are good here too. |
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| Subject: | Legend Sherman III (M4A2) Conversion Kit - First Look |  |
| Date: | Jun 29, 2005 |
| From: | James Wechsler | |
Hi all,
I thought I'd mention that I'm planning to write a review of the Legend Sherman III (M4A2) conversion kit and follow it up with a builder's log. I'm heading out on vacation for about a week so for those of you thinking about buying this set, here's a short summary.
This is a great kit. If you like Shermans or just want to build something different, then consider this kit. Legned has actually released a series of 4 kits for early Shermans. LF1096 and LF1097 are for the Sherman III (M4A2) as used by the British in North Africa. LF1100 and LF1101 are for the M4 as used by US forces.
This review is for LF1096 which is designed to convert the Academy M4/M10s into a British desert Sherman. The kit has just over 100 parts, mostly in resin but there's also a small photoetch set and a metal gun barrel.
The quality is super high. Legend managed to avoid most of the common Sherman pitfalls (suchs as recessed welding, etc). There's lots of subtle detail on the big parts (like casting numbers and well done casting texture) and a bunch of small parts that really add detail. The kit comes with a conversion for the M3 style VVSS (with the return roller on the top of the housing) that's well done but can be finicky to assemble. Legends typical color photo instructions aren't as helpful as they could be for this so some care is required.
About the only complaint I have is that even with including a photoetch sheet, Legend does not include headlight and taillight guards or straps and brackets for the pioneer tools. They expect you to use the donor kit parts and these are too thick and a little short on detail. Too bad. With a little extra photoetch, they could have included this and the kit would have easily been a 5 star kit.
That said, I wouldn't hesitate to buy this set. Even though its a little pricey (about $75 USD online), there's a ton of stuff in the set and the overall quality is really impessive.
I'll go into more depth in my review in a couple weeks.
Overall rating 4 1/2 stars.
Jim |
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