SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

Enter keywords or a search phrase below:

Sherman M4A3 76 (w) question

369 views
2 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Sherman M4A3 76 (w) question
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Saturday, February 21, 2004 10:11 PM
Anyone here remember the old Italeri M4A2 'Jumbo'? This kit showed up around 1989-90 and quickly disappeared from the shelves since it was really a misidentified M4A3 76 (w).

For those of you who haven't heard of this kit before, it was basically the old Italeri T23 turret that came with their M4A1 kit and a new welded hull M4A3. This welded hull was also used with the Italeri M36B1 Jackson at the same time and later showed up with the Italeri M4 Sherman Calliope and now is hull that comes with the Italeri USMC M4 and Heller M4A3 kit.

Any way, my question is regarding the loader's hatch. The Italeri T23 turret has the late commander's cupola and the old split hatch cupola is relocated to the loader's position. I know this combination of hatches was used on the A1 hull, but is it proper for an A3 hull?

I do have the old Verlinden Sherman Super detail set that includes the resin turret plug that converts the loader's split hatch to the small oval hatch, so if I need to update that portion, I'm good to go. I know that hatch combination did exist on M4A3 76(w).

Thanks for any help.
  • Member since
    January 2003
Posted by shermanfreak on Saturday, February 21, 2004 10:32 PM
Major Rob - just checked my trusty Hunnicut and it states that early M4A3 76(W) did have the split hatch for the loader until it was superceded by the oval hatch. Reference pages 278 & 279 includes 2 pics showing this configuration.
Happy Modelling and God Bless Robert
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Saturday, February 21, 2004 11:20 PM
Works for me. Good to know I have the option of the split hatch or oval hatch. I haven't decided which one to do yet.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

SEARCH FORUMS
FREE NEWSLETTER
By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. View our Privacy Policy.