M4A1 Sherman 76mm(w)

Manufacturer:

• Revell AG. #03102
• Monogram #2321
• Matchbox #40181

This was one of Revell'searliest kits, first released by Matchbox, and then laterMonogram, and finally Revell AG. All of the kits are identical,except for the decals.

Although the model isactually very well molded with adequate detail, and no flash orsinkmarks, it is a highly inaccurate kit. The dimensions aretotally screwed up (according to Hunnicutt's Sherman- A History of the American Medium Tank ).The hull scales out close to 1/76th, while some of the parts aremuch larger. The wheels for example actually scale out to 1/70th.

In spite of theinaccuracies, the kit is well detailed. All of the hatches aremolded open, there are no pioneer tools molded onto the hull(actually, there are none included in the kit at all), and thewheels are the early open-spoke type. Too bad they're too large.

The turret also is notshaped real well, and is a little small. The sides of the turret,immediately behind the gun mantle, are angled inward toward thetop a little bit too much. It should be a little more (though notcompletely) vertical. The gun mantle is missing holes, lift ringsand other detail. The gun does not look all that great either.ARMO has recently released a replacement 76mm gun barrel whichcould be used for this kit. The tracks are the steel chevronvariety.

Markings are included fortwo tanks. The decals are very thin, matte, and sharply-printed.This scan was altered to show the light-colored markings.Actually, they are printed in a slightly dirty white color, andshould look pretty good if used.