The most distinctive version of the Sherman tank is the original model, the "cast hull" M4A1. With its sleek hull design, it was an impressive war machine for 1942.
Tasca has followed its Sherman Firefly with this "all-new" M4A1. All-new may be stretching it a bit, as such components as the suspension and M2 .50-caliber machine gun have been available previously as separate part sets.
I was impressed with the kit on initial examination. The attention to detail and finesse of the molding just jump out at you. The kit includes many optional parts - two transmission housings, two styles of air cleaners, two styles of bogie wheels, two gun rotor shields, fender variations, and appliqué armor plate. Other details include clear parts for the periscopes and headlights as well as water cans and a figure. A small photoetched-metal fret is given for screens and detail parts.
I started construction with the suspension. The bogie units are fully articulated and the most accurate Sherman suspension available in a kit. With that, though, comes a lot of complexity. Many parts are handed or inside versus outside. I didn't use the vinyl sheet called for to give vertical movement. Instead, I used styrene strip to lock the vertical position. Since I was using the kit's vinyl tracks and the model would be posed in a static position, I glued all the working elements.
The hull comprises seven flat parts and includes sponson floors.
The turret builds quickly with surprisingly few parts. There is no interior detail. The shell-ejection port is separate and features pivot-arm detail. The commander's cupola has nice detailing on the hatch interior and around the opening.
The tracks come in four vinyl pieces, two per side. They can be glued together with liquid styrene cement. I found them to be pliable and just about the right length. The idler wheel mount is adjustable so you can add tension to the track.
I painted my Sherman with Gunze Sangyo Hobby Color and Tamiya acrylic paints. Decals are given for four vehicles, all U.S. Army, from the North African, Sicilian, and Italian campaigns. As usual, I gloss-coated the areas where decals would be placed. The decals went down without a problem.
My primary reference was Squadron/Signal's
M4 Sherman Walkaround. I found two photos of the tank Major Jim in Concord Publications'
U.S. Tank Battles in North Africa and Italy, 1943-45. The North African service explains my tank's unusual camouflage treatment.
I completed my M4A1 in 19 hours and enjoyed it immensely. The impressive molding and attention to detail really sell this kit. If you are a Sherman enthusiast, this is one you can't pass up!
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