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TMD 353017 is commander’s hatch set designed for the DML or Tamiya series. It is cast in Tiger Models’ usual gray resin with absolutely no air bubbles.
The packaging is TMD’s usual cardboard header with a Ziploc bag. Inside, one finds four resin runners with the hatch base on one, two hatches on another sprue, a spure with the machine gun mount, clip, and hatch lock, plus a sprue with the periscopes and guard. This last sprue is the same one sold separately (six in a pack) as TMD 353018.
The hatch base is very well done with padding and a swivel lock molded on. Even the hinge pins are hollowed out. A subtle cast texture has been added. The hatches have received textured padding, hold open catches, blade sight, plus other small details.
The M6 periscope sprue has parts for an empty holder to be added to the hatch interior, or one can use the holder with the periscope in place. A separate M6 periscope is included and can be used for internal stowage. On the outside of the hatch, one can choose either an open or closed periscope hatch. Special attention was given to the wire guard which is one piece.
Care is needed to remove the pieces. A light hand with a scalpel was all I used. After a few swipes, the parts came free. Clean up was then performed. Only a little flash is present. The resin responded well to files, cutting, and sanding.
The fit to Tamiya’s Sherman is very good. Dragon’s M4A1 and M4A4 turrets needed their openings enlarged to the outside perimeter of the raised circle. After that was done, the fit was good.
As for accuracy, the details matched photos in books and some of actual hatches lent to me by Kurt Laughlin. There are no casting marks. During the set’s development, I asked Joe about casting marks and he explained that if he added them, they may not match a particular vehicle. He also stated that he found photos of the hatch base without any casting marks. So, the modeler could add their own marks without having to destroy the cast texture if they sanded incorrect markings off.
Note that this hatch can be placed in several positions so compare it to a photo of the vehicle one is depicting.
About the only downside is that there are no instructions given so modelers need to use references to ensure that they get the periscope facing the right way (as molded, they should only face forward), the color of the hatch padding, etcetera. Last, the wire periscope guards are a little thick but understandably, any thinner and they would probably crumble during removal.
As it is, this hatch set is an excellent addition without resorting to fiddly photo-etched parts. Thanks to TMD for the review sample.
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