M4 Sherman Early
Etched Detail Set#LA48003
1:48 Scale
Review by Terry Ashley
Lion
Roar have
released this etched metal and turned metal barrel for the recently released Tamiya 1:48 M4
Sherman Early Production kit #32505 which consists of a single turned
barrel
with the muzzle drilled out and two small frets of etched parts.
The etched parts have very good quality etching with well defined details and relief on the parts with the usual engraved lines to help with bending. The parts include the head and tail light bush guards plus mesh for the upper rear deck intakes with the remainder being a complete .50cal MG mount and cradle with additional parts to detail the kit .50cal and there is also additional etched chain to use on the MG and elsewhere as required.
The barrel is the same size as the Tamiya kit barrel and fits into the mantlet the same as the kit barrel without any problems although the barrel neck is slightly narrower than the hole in the Tamiya mantlet resulting in slight movement that you will have to deal with but other than that it's a straight fit.
The Tamiya kit barrel has the separate end cap that requires the join seam to be filled and the metal barrel eliminates that minor problem completely with the only quibble being it lacks the subtle flare at the end of the early 75mm M3 barrel.
The light guards will improve the scale look in this scale while the .50 cal detail parts will also add considerably to the appearance of the gun.
A simple but effective update for the Tamiya kit that is the standout choice if you want a barrel as it comes with the bonus etched parts.
Thanks to my credit card and Hobby Easy for the review set.
Page created 12 March 2005