Is it just me or is Novemeber starting off as the month of the Sherman ? Tasca is adding a new one to their line up with this one ( kit number 35021 ), the M4A3E2 Sherman “JUMBO”.
- Includes add on welded armor for hull.
- Accurately reproduced unique shape of the jumbo turret.
- Option for 76mm and 75mm main gun.
- Flexible T48 w/Duckbill Plastic Tracks.
- Option for three types of road wheels (Includes big hubs).
- Four U.S. troop markings for northwestern European campaign.
- Figure is not included in this kit
The M4A3E2 Sherman “Jumbo” were developed as a support for the infantry assault vehicle based on the latter type M4A3. 1.5 inches of Front and side armor was welded on to the hull, and the differential cover gear ratio was changed to support the retrofit weight increase. The T23 turret armor was increased, along with the gun shield, giving the Jumbo its distinctive turret shape. The extra steel armor was welded onto the cast turret and reached a maximum thickness of 177mm. To cope with increased weight, an end connecters called duckbills equipped the track, and supported by reducing ground pressure. 254 M4A3E2 tanks were produced from May to July 1944, and employed by the U.S. Army in northwest Europe, and by the Free French. Some 76mm main guns were used by local units to retrofit vehicles, as it proved useful in the role of infantry support.
Talk about timing! I was just getting ready to pull the trigger on a E2 after market hull and turret. Now this and the announcement of a DML E2 release. Late Christmas for Paul! I will wait for the review on the DML version before making a choice. But after reading Jim Zeske’s review of the Tasca E8 in Februarys FSM the decision may be an easy one. I will always spend a few extra clams for a better product. Anyone hear of a release date for the DML version?
The DML M4A3E2 is supposed to be on shelves this month so I’d expect a few side by side comparrisons in pretty short order, though I’ve always liked Tasca’s stuff myself. Their Jumbo is $90 NZD from Tasca so I’d consider it to be a good price at anything under $55 USD.
Which is exactly about how much GMW will probably let it go for. They show a pre-release price of $61.95 USD and then knock 10% once it’s in stock. Got my duckets all set aside for this one.
Yeah people complain some DML and Tasca kits are too expensive, but when you consider all the AM stuff you need to make a mediocre kit better I still think it’s good value to start with the best kit avaialable even if it is $60+ USD