Just got 2 new kits on Ebay, Tamiya Pershing and M4a3(75) for about 45$. Both have been on my hit list for a while. I could not resist. So what do I need to know about them? I have heard the Sherman has some issues with the hull I think.
The Tamiya Pershing is a great kit. I can’t think of anything bad to say about the Pershing. I do recommend glueing the suspension in place as it will be easier to paint and weather this area if it is glued in place. As for the Sherman hull issues, the lower hull doesn’t have the sponsons closed and if you leave the hatches open you can see through the model. It’s still a good kit and good fit but you might want to get some reference and make minor changes. I worked on the weld seams and bought a detail improvement set from Formations to make it look really good. OOTB, it can still look good, though. HTH
Yes, the Sherman (all Tamiya Shermans) are made with open sponsons. This is the area of the hull, just over the top of the tracks. If you look through the turret hatches, you can see the top of the tracks from the inside. Not a good thing when bringing a kit to a model show or contest.
It is easy to blank them off with a piece of sheet styrene. Archer Fine Transfers (http://www.archertransfers.com/) has a free downloadable template to print out and use as a pattern to cut the sheet. Click on “Browse & Shop” and go to “US Armor”. At the top of the page is something for Shermanholics. That will pop up the pattern.
Thanks kaleu and Rob Gronovius for your replies. Correcting the sponsons does not sound too tough. Got to stop browsing on Ebay ,too many bargains.