Sherman M4 (105)

Manufacturer: CommandersSeries Models (Kit No. 3010)

This is a conversion setthat includes only the three parts seen above. The modeler isrequired to provide an ESCI (now Italeri) M4A1 to provide all theother parts. Unfortunately, this Commander Series set is nolonger being made.

This kit is distinctlydifferent than the Al.By105 kit.The Al.By kit represents the 105mm version of the M4A3, and usesan improved copy of the ESCI M4A3 hull. This here kit fromCommander Series represents the 105mm version of the late modelM4. Commander Series made this happen by grafting the engine deckaccess plates from the ESCI M4A1 into the rear deck of the ESCIM4A3, thereby making a standard M4 hull (late version with the 47degree glacis). They have also improved the turret by adding anadditional ventilator, changing the commander's cupola to thelate style with periscopes, and also changed the gun mantle. Theturret is very well done, but this conversion kit doesn't includethe commander's hatch. The gunner's hatch can be obtained fromthe ESCI kit which is needed to complete the conversion, but thecommander's hatch will have to be scavenged from somewhere else.I also think the gun barrel is too short. I am investigating tosee if different barrel lengths were used, but the one in thiskit is several mm shorter than the barrel included with the Al.Bykit.

All in all, this is apretty decent conversion, and should build into an excellentmodel.