Tamiya’s 1/48th scale M4A1 Sherman is at first glance a rather nice looking kit. It is cleaning molded with no flash and crisp detail. The model represents a mid-production M4A1 cast hull Sherman according to my references produced in 1943. This is one of the more popular Shermans for modellers with the only other examples that I am aware of are the 1/35th scale Nichimo kit from the 1970s (not a very good kit) and DML’s kit (a very good kit) which is currently out in limited supplies. I do believe that Fujimi makes one in 1/76th scale also. I will review the kit from ground up starting with the lower hull.

Lower Hull

The lower hull is exactly the same metal hull supplied in Tamiya’s M4 Sherman kit. Though Tamiya advertises the hull giving ‘weight’ to the model it is more of a gimmick. The hull is devoid of a lot of external detail. Bottom of the hull is disturbed by the cover plates that hide the mounting screws for the upper and lower hull pieces. Another down side is if you choose to use the one-piece transmission there are significant gaps to fill. Once again there are no sponsons.

Suspension And Running Gear

On sprue ‘A’, ‘R’ and ‘P’ (x 2) are the majority of the suspension and running gear parts. I list it as one sprue because the three are modeled as one. For the most part this is the same tree of parts that came with the earlier M4 Sherman. The addition is the pressed steel wheels and optional drive sprockets. With the M4A1 Sherman you get a choice of the early open sprocket with dimples, open sprocket without dimples and plate sprocket. The pressed steel wheels have detail only on one side a'la their larger 1/35tth scale cousin. Tracks are also from the M4 kit representing the T48 rubber chevron style as link and length construction. Substantial punch marks mar the interior surface of the tracks that are quite annoying on the small links.

Upper Hull

This tree is pretty much the same as the earlier Sherman offering with the change being the M4A1 cast hull. Though I didn't spec it out it looks accurate in contour and shape. The details are very nice with the inclusion that seems to be missing on a lot of larger Shermans that being the tie down guides welded to the upper left hull. Tamiya includes the handle for the ‘Little Joe’ fuel cap but none of the others. One disturbing point is the sink mark on the upper hull from the internal mounting for the screw and a strange indentation behind the rear engine hatch. I have only seen these indentations on Canadian Ram tanks.

Turret

This also is the same tree as from the M4 kit with the addition of part ‘E’ that includes a nice one-piece rounded transmission and early M34 gun mantlet. There is no breech for the gun. All the parts are very nice. One drawback is the recessed welding on the applique turret armor. From what I have seen on any Sherman even these extra welded on pieces had welds that stood proud.

Tools

The nicest piece of the new Sherman is the inclusion of separate tools. They are done quite nicely and this sprue alone would find favour of modellers of the earlier kit.

Conclusion

In conclusion this is a nice effort by Tamiya. For those Sherman enthusiasts there are some points that are disturbing considering modellers have discussed them in the past in the larger 1/35th scale offerings. It is because of the ongoing neglect of these details that I can't offer a higher mark for the kit. In all I would recommend the kit to anyone interested in 1/48th scale and Shermans in particular.

The model was graciously supplied by VLS and my credit card.

User Contributed Notes