In Box Review of DML Dragon 1/35th Scale
U.S. M4A3 (76) w/HVSS Sherman
Kit no. 9010
By Ray Mehlberger
OUT OF PRODUCTION
Kit has a copyright date of 1994. I paid $34.98 at a local hobby shop that went out of business back in the 90's.
By Ray Mehlberger
OUT OF PRODUCTION
Kit has a copyright date of 1994. I paid $34.98 at a local hobby shop that went out of business back in the 90's.
HISTORY:
The M4 Sherman, officially Medium-Tank, M4, was the most widely used medium tank by the United States and Western Allies in World War II. The M4 Sherman proved to be reliable, relatively cheap to produce, and available in great numbers.
Thousands were distributed through the Lend-Lease program to the British Commonwealth and Soviet Union. The tank was named by the British for the American Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman.
The M4 Sherman evolved from the M3 Medium Tank, which had its main armament in a side sponson mount. The M4 retained much of the previous mechanical design, but put the main 75 mm gun in a fully traversing turret.
One feature, a one-axis gyrostabilizer, was not precise enough to allow firing when moving but did help keep the reticle on target, so that when the tank did stop to fire, the gun would be aimed in roughly the right direction.
The designers stressed mechanical reliability, ease of production and maintenance, durability, standardization of parts and ammunition in a limited number of variants, and moderate size and weight.
These factors, combined with the Sherman's then-superior armor and armament, outclassed German light and medium tanks fielded in 1939–42. The M4 went on to be produced in large numbers. It spearheaded many offensives by the Western Allies after 1942.
When the M4 tank went into combat in North Africa with the British Army at El Alamein in late 1942, it increased the advantage of Allied armor over Axis armor and was superior to the lighter German and Italian tank designs.
For this reason, the US Army believed that the M4 would be adequate to win the war, and relatively little pressure was initially exerted for further tank development.
Logistical and transport restrictions, such as limitations imposed by roads, ports, and bridges, also complicated the introduction of a more capable but heavier tank.
Tank destroyer battalions using vehicles built on the M4 hull and chassis, but with open-topped turrets and more potent high-velocity guns, also entered widespread use in the Allied armies.
Even by 1944, most M4 Shermans kept their dual purpose 75 mm gun. By then, the M4 was inferior in firepower and armor to increasing numbers of German heavy tanks, but was able to fight on with the help of numerical superiority and support from growing numbers of fighter-bombers and artillery pieces.
Some Shermans were produced with a more capable gun, the 76 mm gun M1, or refitted with an Ordnance QF 17-pounder by the British (the Sherman Firefly).
The relative ease of production allowed large numbers of the M4 to be manufactured, and significant investment in tank recovery and repair units allowed disabled vehicles to be repaired and returned to service quickly.
These factors combined to give the Allies numerical superiority in most battles, and many infantry divisions were provided with M4s and tank destroyers.
After World War II, the Sherman, particularly the many improved and upgraded versions, continued to see combat service in many conflicts around the world, including the UN forces in the Korean War, with Israel in the Arab–Israeli Wars, briefly with South Vietnam in the Vietnam War, and on both sides of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
Paraguay retired three Shermans from the Regimiento Escolta Presidencial (REP, Presidential Escort Regiment) in 2018, which marked the end of service of the final Sherman tanks in use anywhere in the world.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Type: Medium tank
Place of origin: United States
In service: 1942–1957 (United States), 1945–2018 (by other users)
Used by: United States, and many others
Wars: World War II, Indonesian National Revolution, Greek Civil War, 1948 Arab–Israeli War, Korean War, Vietnam War, Revolución Libertadora, Suez Crisis, Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Six-Day War, Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Yom Kippur War, Iran–Iraq War, 1958 Lebanon crisis, Lebanese Civil War, Cuban Revolution, Nicaraguan Revolution
Designer: U.S. Army Ordnance Department
Designed: 1940
Manufacturer: American Locomotive Company, Baldwin Locomotive Works, Detroit Tank Arsenal, Federal Machine and Welder Company, Fisher Tank Arsenal, Ford Motor Company, Lima Locomotive Works, Pacific Car and Foundry Company, Pressed Steel Car Company, Pullman-Standard Car Company
Unit cost: $44,556–64,455 in 1945 dollars, depending upon variant ($607,861-879,336 in 2017 dollars)
Produced: September 1941 (prototype), February 1942–July 1945
No. built: 49,234, excluding prototype
Weight: 66,800–84,000 lb (33.4-42.0 short tons, 30.3–38.1 metric tons) depending upon variant
Length: 19 ft 2 in–20 ft 7 in (5.84–6.27 m) depending upon variant
Width: 8 ft 7 in–9 ft 10 in (2.62–2.99 m) depending upon variant
Height: 9 ft 0 in–9 ft 9 in (2.74–2.97 m) depending upon variant
Crew: 5 (commander, gunner, loader, driver, assistant driver/bow gunner)
Armor: 12.7 mm (0.5 in) minimum, up to a maximum of 177.8 mm (7.0 in) depending upon variant
Main armament: 75 mm gun M3 (90–104 rounds) or 76 mm gun M1A1, M1A1C, or M1A2 (71 rounds) or 105 mm howitzer M4 (66 rounds)
Secondary armament: .50 caliber Browning M2HB machine gun (300–600 rounds), 2×.30 caliber Browning M1919A4 machine guns (6,000–6,750 rounds)
Engine: M4 and M4A1 model: Continental R975-C1 or -C4 9 cylinder radial gasoline engine, 350 or 400 hp (261 or 298 kW) at 2,400 rpm, M4A2 model: General Motors 6046 twin inline diesel engine; 375 hp (280 kW) at 2,100 rpm, M4A3 model: Ford GAA V8 gasoline engine; 450 hp (336 kW) at 2,600 rpm, M4A4 model: Chrysler A57 30 cylinder gasoline engine; 370 hp (276 kW) at 2,400 rpm, M4A6 model: Caterpillar D-200A (Wright RD-1820) 9 cylinder radial diesel engine; 450 hp (336 kW) at 2,400 rpm.
Power/weight: 10.46–13.49 hp/short ton (11.53–14.87 hp/metric ton) depending upon variant
Transmission: Spicer manual synchromesh transmission, 5 forward and 1 reverse gears
Suspension: Vertical volute spring suspension (VVSS) or horizontal volute spring suspension (HVSS)
Fuel capacity: 138–175 U.S. gallons (522–662 litres) depending upon variant
Operational range: 100–150 miles (161–241 km) on road depending upon variant
Speed: 22–30 mph (35–48 km/h) on road, depending upon variant
The M4 Sherman, officially Medium-Tank, M4, was the most widely used medium tank by the United States and Western Allies in World War II. The M4 Sherman proved to be reliable, relatively cheap to produce, and available in great numbers.
Thousands were distributed through the Lend-Lease program to the British Commonwealth and Soviet Union. The tank was named by the British for the American Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman.
The M4 Sherman evolved from the M3 Medium Tank, which had its main armament in a side sponson mount. The M4 retained much of the previous mechanical design, but put the main 75 mm gun in a fully traversing turret.
One feature, a one-axis gyrostabilizer, was not precise enough to allow firing when moving but did help keep the reticle on target, so that when the tank did stop to fire, the gun would be aimed in roughly the right direction.
The designers stressed mechanical reliability, ease of production and maintenance, durability, standardization of parts and ammunition in a limited number of variants, and moderate size and weight.
These factors, combined with the Sherman's then-superior armor and armament, outclassed German light and medium tanks fielded in 1939–42. The M4 went on to be produced in large numbers. It spearheaded many offensives by the Western Allies after 1942.
When the M4 tank went into combat in North Africa with the British Army at El Alamein in late 1942, it increased the advantage of Allied armor over Axis armor and was superior to the lighter German and Italian tank designs.
For this reason, the US Army believed that the M4 would be adequate to win the war, and relatively little pressure was initially exerted for further tank development.
Logistical and transport restrictions, such as limitations imposed by roads, ports, and bridges, also complicated the introduction of a more capable but heavier tank.
Tank destroyer battalions using vehicles built on the M4 hull and chassis, but with open-topped turrets and more potent high-velocity guns, also entered widespread use in the Allied armies.
Even by 1944, most M4 Shermans kept their dual purpose 75 mm gun. By then, the M4 was inferior in firepower and armor to increasing numbers of German heavy tanks, but was able to fight on with the help of numerical superiority and support from growing numbers of fighter-bombers and artillery pieces.
Some Shermans were produced with a more capable gun, the 76 mm gun M1, or refitted with an Ordnance QF 17-pounder by the British (the Sherman Firefly).
The relative ease of production allowed large numbers of the M4 to be manufactured, and significant investment in tank recovery and repair units allowed disabled vehicles to be repaired and returned to service quickly.
These factors combined to give the Allies numerical superiority in most battles, and many infantry divisions were provided with M4s and tank destroyers.
After World War II, the Sherman, particularly the many improved and upgraded versions, continued to see combat service in many conflicts around the world, including the UN forces in the Korean War, with Israel in the Arab–Israeli Wars, briefly with South Vietnam in the Vietnam War, and on both sides of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
Paraguay retired three Shermans from the Regimiento Escolta Presidencial (REP, Presidential Escort Regiment) in 2018, which marked the end of service of the final Sherman tanks in use anywhere in the world.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Type: Medium tank
Place of origin: United States
In service: 1942–1957 (United States), 1945–2018 (by other users)
Used by: United States, and many others
Wars: World War II, Indonesian National Revolution, Greek Civil War, 1948 Arab–Israeli War, Korean War, Vietnam War, Revolución Libertadora, Suez Crisis, Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Six-Day War, Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Yom Kippur War, Iran–Iraq War, 1958 Lebanon crisis, Lebanese Civil War, Cuban Revolution, Nicaraguan Revolution
Designer: U.S. Army Ordnance Department
Designed: 1940
Manufacturer: American Locomotive Company, Baldwin Locomotive Works, Detroit Tank Arsenal, Federal Machine and Welder Company, Fisher Tank Arsenal, Ford Motor Company, Lima Locomotive Works, Pacific Car and Foundry Company, Pressed Steel Car Company, Pullman-Standard Car Company
Unit cost: $44,556–64,455 in 1945 dollars, depending upon variant ($607,861-879,336 in 2017 dollars)
Produced: September 1941 (prototype), February 1942–July 1945
No. built: 49,234, excluding prototype
Weight: 66,800–84,000 lb (33.4-42.0 short tons, 30.3–38.1 metric tons) depending upon variant
Length: 19 ft 2 in–20 ft 7 in (5.84–6.27 m) depending upon variant
Width: 8 ft 7 in–9 ft 10 in (2.62–2.99 m) depending upon variant
Height: 9 ft 0 in–9 ft 9 in (2.74–2.97 m) depending upon variant
Crew: 5 (commander, gunner, loader, driver, assistant driver/bow gunner)
Armor: 12.7 mm (0.5 in) minimum, up to a maximum of 177.8 mm (7.0 in) depending upon variant
Main armament: 75 mm gun M3 (90–104 rounds) or 76 mm gun M1A1, M1A1C, or M1A2 (71 rounds) or 105 mm howitzer M4 (66 rounds)
Secondary armament: .50 caliber Browning M2HB machine gun (300–600 rounds), 2×.30 caliber Browning M1919A4 machine guns (6,000–6,750 rounds)
Engine: M4 and M4A1 model: Continental R975-C1 or -C4 9 cylinder radial gasoline engine, 350 or 400 hp (261 or 298 kW) at 2,400 rpm, M4A2 model: General Motors 6046 twin inline diesel engine; 375 hp (280 kW) at 2,100 rpm, M4A3 model: Ford GAA V8 gasoline engine; 450 hp (336 kW) at 2,600 rpm, M4A4 model: Chrysler A57 30 cylinder gasoline engine; 370 hp (276 kW) at 2,400 rpm, M4A6 model: Caterpillar D-200A (Wright RD-1820) 9 cylinder radial diesel engine; 450 hp (336 kW) at 2,400 rpm.
Power/weight: 10.46–13.49 hp/short ton (11.53–14.87 hp/metric ton) depending upon variant
Transmission: Spicer manual synchromesh transmission, 5 forward and 1 reverse gears
Suspension: Vertical volute spring suspension (VVSS) or horizontal volute spring suspension (HVSS)
Fuel capacity: 138–175 U.S. gallons (522–662 litres) depending upon variant
Operational range: 100–150 miles (161–241 km) on road depending upon variant
Speed: 22–30 mph (35–48 km/h) on road, depending upon variant
Marco Polo was the distributor of DML kits back in the 90's.THE KIT:
DML Dragon is a prolific model company based in Hong Kong, China. They manufacture all manner of model subjects in the popular scales.
This kit comes in a shrink-wrapped tray and lid type box.
The box art shows a M4A3 (76) moving down a city street past battle-damaged buildings. It is being followed by an earlier version of the Sherman. On the sidewalk behind the lead tank is a group of 12 captured German prisoners under guard of a U.S. infantryman.
The M4A3 (76) is overall olive-drab with a white star on the turret sides and a white 6 triangle 15 triangle on the left of the nose and a white 16 on the right. It has a white 19 on the hull side. That is larger.
Four crewmen are looking out of the hatches of the tank. They all wear leather helmets with goggles strung on them.
Crewmen of the second Sherman are looking out of their hatches too. All wear steel helmets.
One side panel has the color box art for DML's kit no. 9009, a M4A3E8 "Easy Eight" tank, Korean War, followed by the copyright date of 1994 and Marco Polo Import Inc.'s- street address in City of Industry, CA and their FAX number and MADE IN HONG KONG.
Marco Polo was the distributor of DML kits back in the 90's.
DML Dragon is a prolific model company based in Hong Kong, China. They manufacture all manner of model subjects in the popular scales.
This kit comes in a shrink-wrapped tray and lid type box.
The box art shows a M4A3 (76) moving down a city street past battle-damaged buildings. It is being followed by an earlier version of the Sherman. On the sidewalk behind the lead tank is a group of 12 captured German prisoners under guard of a U.S. infantryman.
The M4A3 (76) is overall olive-drab with a white star on the turret sides and a white 6 triangle 15 triangle on the left of the nose and a white 16 on the right. It has a white 19 on the hull side. That is larger.
Four crewmen are looking out of the hatches of the tank. They all wear leather helmets with goggles strung on them.
Crewmen of the second Sherman are looking out of their hatches too. All wear steel helmets.
One side panel has the color box art for DML's kit no. 9009, a M4A3E8 "Easy Eight" tank, Korean War, followed by the copyright date of 1994 and Marco Polo Import Inc.'s- street address in City of Industry, CA and their FAX number and MADE IN HONG KONG.
Marco Polo was the distributor of DML kits back in the 90's.
The other side panel has 3 color walk-around type photos of the model made up, followed by the copyright date and Marco's address again.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX:
This kit contains 12 medium-gray trees and a loose medium-gray hull tub in 6 clear sealed cello bags, the decal sheet and 2 instructions.
The main instructions consist of a single-sheet that accordion-folds out into 8 pages in 8 1/2" x 11 1/2" page format.
Page 1 begins with a black and white repeat of the box art, over the parts trees illustrations.
Page 2 begins with CAUTIONS about the kit, over international assembly symbol explanations, a suggested listing of Gunze Sangyo and Italeri brands of paint colors, in 6 languages, including English, over the first assembly step.
Page 3 through 7 give a remainder of a grand total of 12 assembly steps.
Page 8 is the painting and marking instructions, with a 4-view of the box art scheme (already described above) and decal application instructions in the 6 languages, over the copyright date and PRINTED IN HONG KONG.
The second instruction set is 8 1/2" x 11 1/2" format also, printed on one side. It shows 12 detailed black and white drawings of the M4A3 (76). One is showing a bulldozer blade attached. Three are showing sand-bag extra protection applied to sides of the tank etc.
I bought the On The Mark Models brand brass PE fret no. TMP-3512 for the Sherman to add to this model. Actually, I bought 2 sets of this.
This kit contains 12 medium-gray trees and a loose medium-gray hull tub in 6 clear sealed cello bags, the decal sheet and 2 instructions.
The main instructions consist of a single-sheet that accordion-folds out into 8 pages in 8 1/2" x 11 1/2" page format.
Page 1 begins with a black and white repeat of the box art, over the parts trees illustrations.
Page 2 begins with CAUTIONS about the kit, over international assembly symbol explanations, a suggested listing of Gunze Sangyo and Italeri brands of paint colors, in 6 languages, including English, over the first assembly step.
Page 3 through 7 give a remainder of a grand total of 12 assembly steps.
Page 8 is the painting and marking instructions, with a 4-view of the box art scheme (already described above) and decal application instructions in the 6 languages, over the copyright date and PRINTED IN HONG KONG.
The second instruction set is 8 1/2" x 11 1/2" format also, printed on one side. It shows 12 detailed black and white drawings of the M4A3 (76). One is showing a bulldozer blade attached. Three are showing sand-bag extra protection applied to sides of the tank etc.
I bought the On The Mark Models brand brass PE fret no. TMP-3512 for the Sherman to add to this model. Actually, I bought 2 sets of this.
I put one of my company's sets (Armor-Research), set no. 2013, which is white-metal cast 76mm U.S. Tank ammo, AP M79 and set no. 2014 which is white-metal cast 76mm ammo storage tubes. These will be added too when I build the model.
Medium-gray letter A tree holds: the hull top, nose, rear, machine gun, tow cable, air-intake grill, main gun support etc. (99 parts) 32 parts on this tree are blued-out in the instructions as being excess and not needed to complete the model.
Medium-gray letter B tree is the hull tub part.
There are 2 letter C trees. There are 4 identical trees of the first letter C tree. These hold: bogies, road wheels, drive sprockets etc. (35 parts each).
The second 2 identical trees hold: idler wheels, final transfer covers, fenders etc. (16 parts each) 4 parts are excess.
Medium-gray letter D tree holds turret and main gun parts, machine gun (21 parts)
There is no letter E tree.
There is no letter E tree.
Medium-gray letter F tree holds: side skirts, nose armor plate etc. (10 parts)
Medium-gray letter G tree holds the individual track links.
The decal sheet completes the kit contents.
There are no clear parts or crew figures or any interior details.
It has nice exterior detail.
Recommended.
It has nice exterior detail.
Recommended.