Dragon 1/35 scale M4A3E8 Sherman

Kit: DRA6183
Scale: 1/35 Manufacturer:: Dragon, from Dragon Models USA, 626-968-0322, www.dragonmodelsusa.com
Price: 41.95
Comments: Injection-molded, 640 parts (19 cast-metal, 11 photoetched, 1 turned-aluminum), decals
Pros: Very complete kit, working suspension
Cons: Overly complex suspension, no plastic alternative for fenders

Dragon's new M4A3E8 is the ultimate kit of the ultimate World War II version of the Sherman tank. The kit is neatly molded in light gray plastic. Highlights found in the kit include photoetched-metal fenders, multimedia suspension, unique supplemental armor parts, optional early and late turret styles, a metal gun barrel, and new Magic Track links. No figures or vehicle accessories are provided.
I started construction with the 24 road wheels and four idlers; each consists of a separate wheel and tire.
Each of the six HVSS bogie units is a 20-piece assembly made up of plastic parts, metal tubing and springs, and is designed to be workable.I found the springs fragile and needed to handled with care. Also, they had a nasty tendency to go flying off into space while being installed!
The Magic Track T66-style links are nicely molded and assemble without problems. There are some minor ejector pin marks on the inside of each link but these were easily cleaned up with a couple of swipes with a sanding stick.
The upper hull has the correct M4A3 rear hull angle and configuration. As indicated in the instructions, you need to sand off the two oval access plates at the back of the engine deck. Four deep attachment points at the back of the hull should be filled and sanded smooth.
Three photoetched-metal parts make up each of the hull fenders. The fender supports are provided as plastic parts.
Dragon included parts to represent the supplemental armor added to Third Army Shermans near war's end. These consist of separate parts for the turret sides, hull front and hull sides. The vehicles presented in the kit have different configurations so check the instructions and references. The side box armor unique to Creighton Abram's tank doesn't look right compared to references; the kit parts seem to be too long and deep. I would consider rebuilding them from sheet plastic if I were to do it again.
Nicely molded turrets included both early and late versions, the major difference being a one- or two-piece loader's hatch. Minor difference between each type are also captured.
Plastic and aluminum gun barrels are provided, but there is a difference in length between them. The aluminum barrel is 1/8" longer. I chose to use the aluminum for ease of assembly.
I painted my Sherman using a combination of Tamiya and Gunze Sangyo olive drabs.
Decals are provided to cover four vehicles and they went on easily over a gloss coat.
I spent 24 hours on my Sherman and, it's a convincing model when finished. I liked the kit but would have preferred simpler suspension assembly and alternate plastic parts for the hull fenders. Because of the challenges presented by these items, I recommend this kit for experienced modelers.
- Jim Zeske