Another Tamiya Oldie: M4A3E2 Sherman

Excellent job on an old kit.

It does look good, nice to see the kit built in all its glory.

The Jumbo kit came out probably around 1988-89. I remember two "Jumbos" hitting the shelves in Germany when I was stationed there; this Tamiya kit and the cheaper Italeri M4A2 'Jumbo', which wasn't a Jumbo (but I didn't know it at the time). I chose the Italeri kit because it had the 76mm gun.

I remember passing off the kit to a boy from Wisconsin that was my penpal and buying the Tamiya kit in the end. I still keep in touch with the man. I bought the AEF Designs 76mm Jumbo turret to get the version I wanted.

Aside from the aforementioned details .....

I think you've captured the "LOOK" pretty effectively.

I have one of those "ancient" Tamiya Shermans in the 25+ year old stash.  Plan on building it sometime soon.

HisNHer Tanks in Armor - You might be thinking about the ancient M4A3E8 that came out way back when.  I am not sure when the kit I built was originally issued, but it probably came out in the 1980s.  I seem to recall the "regular" Sherman appearing in a Tamiya brochure around 1987 or so.

Jason - Yeah, I'm kind of "weather-shy" and tend not to put extras on my armor.  I have seen photos of the real things covered with so much stuff that it was difficult to make out the vehicle.  Kind of mind-boggling how the crews managed to lash on so much stuff.  But the real reason I don't add stowage is because... I am lazy.  There, I said it!  But, a personal mission of mine is to try one new thing on each model I build, so I think added stowage will be added to the list.

And thanks to the rest of the guys for the positive comments!

Now if you will please excuse me, I have to go back to the Gundam GB!  (Yeah, I'm actually a sci-fi modeller sneaking into the amor forum!  )

I thought the 'old' Tamiya Sherman was a different kit though.

I had occasion to build what I myself thought was the original old Tamiya Sherman (think it was trying to be the M4A3E8 though), and it was not the same in some areas. Think the gun was different.

I am unsure as I have not had the kit around for several years, and doubt anyone could build THAT kit well enough that anyone would care :) It was so full of accuracy errors it was painful.

Your kit though does look good on it's own merits.

Roy knows his Shermans!

Excellent work on the Jumbo Sherman, the flat black base coat was a good idea as it adds realism and depth.

I prefer to see scuffs, chips, some rust and everything else that tanks acquire along the way. Referance photographs always show Shermans loaded to the 9 with extra stowage & gear.

All good as the tank was new at one time, they all do not have to look like refuges retreating with all they can carry.

Tanks for posting!

Jason

Roy,

Thanks for the heads up.  I didn't know about the spotlight sheath.

But now I know.

And knowing is half the battle.

(The other half is knowing what you are doing before committing to glue!)

G.I. Joe!   COBRA!!!!!

"G" ,,,   you Sherm looks great! Don't fret about the paint looking crisp..   it looks good.

I really like how you did the wood / tool portions,,  very nice.

All round,, and excellent job.

Mostly,,,,  thanks for sharing!

Very nice.  I really admire the subtle finish to it.  The detailing is supurb.

Thanks for posting. It's great to see those older kits built up with so much care and affection.  It shows.  May I make one suggestion?  The lens in the cylinder of the turret mounted spot lamp -- should be recessed another 1-2mm.  The ribbed cylinder was only a sheet metal sheath to direct the spotlamp beam.

An overall excellant job.I particularly like the tracks and tools.

Came out great to my eyes. I don't see the issue you point out with the black paint but I may be missing it.