Description
Italeri M4-A1 Sherman Tank
The Italeri M4-A1 Sherman Tank is a 1/35 scale plastic model kit that replicates the iconic American tank used during World War II. Here’s a detailed review of its key features and performance:
Kit Overview
The Italeri M4-A1 Sherman Tank kit consists of over 200 parts, including plastic, photo-etched, and vinyl components. The kit measures approximately 18 cm (7 inches) in length and 8 cm (3 inches) in width when completed.
Key Features
- Hull and Turret: The kit features a well-detailed hull and turret with accurate weld seams, bolts, and rivets.
- Tracks and Wheels: The tracks are made of vinyl and feature a realistic tread pattern. The wheels are detailed with separate hubcaps and rubber tires.
- Gun and Mantlet: The 75mm gun is accurately reproduced with a detailed mantlet and breach.
- Crew Hatches: The kit includes separate crew hatches with interior details, allowing for diorama possibilities.
- Engine Deck: The engine deck is detailed with separate grills, louvers, and access panels.
- Fenders and Stowage: The kit includes fenders with stowage boxes, fuel cans, and tools.
- Decals: A comprehensive decal sheet provides markings for several variants, including US Army, British Army, and Canadian Army schemes.
Performance
- Accuracy: The kit’s accuracy is generally good, with correct proportions and details.
- Fit: The parts fit together well, with minimal gaps or flash.
- Buildability: The kit is suitable for intermediate to advanced modelers due to the complexity of the tracks, suspension, and small parts.
- Painting and Finishing: The kit responds well to paint and weathering techniques, allowing for a realistic finish.
Weak Points
- Track Assembly: The vinyl tracks can be challenging to assemble, requiring patience and careful alignment.
- Suspension Complexity: The suspension system is intricate and may require additional reference images to ensure accurate assembly.
- Limited Interior Details: While the crew hatches have some interior details, the rest of the interior is sparse, limiting diorama possibilities.
Comparison to Other Kits
The Italeri M4-A1 Sherman Tank kit is comparable to other 1/35 scale kits from manufacturers like Dragon Models or Tamiya. While each kit has its strengths and weaknesses, the Italeri kit offers a good balance of detail, accuracy, and buildability.
Conclusion
Overall, the Italeri M4-A1 Sherman Tank kit is a solid choice for modelers interested in World War II armor. While it presents some challenges, particularly with track assembly and suspension complexity, the end result can be a highly detailed and accurate replica of this iconic tank.
Rating: 8/10
Recommendation:
Intermediate-to-advanced modelers
World War II armor enthusiasts
Those seeking a detailed and accurate M4-A1 Sherman Tank replica
Note: This review is based on general information about the Italeri M4-A1 Sherman Tank kit. If you have specific questions or would like more information, feel free to ask!
Jacob –
A fun kit to put together
Mikey D –
You have to appreciate the old molding of the ’70s ! It’s a bit more time consuming to achieve the correct casting texture of the cast hull, drive cover ant turret, but the final result makes it a more personal satisfaction! Only the stiff tracks are the negative point.
Harpic13 –
one of italiera,s best models goes together quite well and looks good.
Ferdinand –
Bad fit in places but with patience it can be good
Donald A. Wilcox –
Great model. Not suitable for children but that was stated on the box so it was not a surprise.
Mikey D –
nice model and everything was easy to understand and everything fit well. The only problem is that the turret can become easily detached if you don’t cement it in place and it’s not a model for the ultra detailed although that’s fine by me. This is the only 76mm m4a1 sherman I know of…
Amazon Customer –
loved the model
Goldrush –
This kit from Italeri is several years old and not as detailed as the latest Shermans from Dragon and the other top names, but with a bit of work, this kit holds its own (I’ve built a half dozen of this guy). First task, ditch the tracks as they are as stiff as my old drill sergeant’s spine. I usually get the rubber tracks offered by AFV, available at online shops. I keep my stiff tracks to use for impressions in mud and slush on dioramas.
I usually replace the barrel with an aftermarket one that are available at several online model shops. Just watch the price and types. Now, once the hull and road wheel assembles are don (they are really pretty basic) and stowage is added (I use items from Black Dog, Verlinden but there are several good companies out there if you search) and any additional hull armor add ons – planks, spare tracks, sandbags etc… a nice primer coat and the finish OD coat. Now the fun starts, splashing on mud, brush, twigs, clumps of dried dirt, leaves and the plethora of stains and filters you can have a pretty decent kit. Toss the kit figures as they look like scarecrows and add in some Dragon figs with Hornet heads and presto! Ready for the hedgerows.
Four bogie wheels for this inexpensive Sherman
Ironmike –
This Italeri kit is getting on a bit (dating from the early 1980s I think) but it’s still a crisp moulding with a reasonable level of detail. The problem is the vinyl tracks, which are far too thick and springy to be remotely realistic. You can buy ‘aftermarket’ hard plastic tracks to replace them, which would cost about a tenner, but I think is worth it.
Hugh Jass –
This is a pretty old ITALERI kit and is not up to the same quality of more modern armor kits. It actually builds up into a good looking tank though.The biggest selling point for it to me is that cast hull variants of the Sherman are just not out there to be found anywhere else.
francis langford –
Straightforward