ok so we all know that no 1 model is perfect by itself take the m4a3 sherman
one company has the best tracks, one the best hull, one the best wheels, etc…
now not using aftermarket parts just all parts from all the kits on the market build one (on paper) and include any companies tank crew to add to it
Can you clarify what you are asking, Durr? I think your final thoughts got lost…
well, say the best hull is the tamiya but the best wheels are academy etc
piece together the best model using all the diff. kits because no one kit as i said it perfect
no aftermarket comp except figures for the crew
i think now my thoughts r clear sorry if they were not before
Oh I see – from existing inj plastic kits what are the best Shermans: Well here goes with the basic subtypes:
M4: chop the front off of a DML Sherman III, mate the rear of the Tamiya one to it. Tamiya turret is fine or use DML ones. Use the DML SHerman III VVS bogies or ones in Academy kits or best, Tasca.
M4 Composite: use the to be reissued DML one.
M4(105): Tamiya M4A3 (105), add engine deck from Italeri M4A1/M32, scratch rear bulkhead, snag grouser vents from Tamiya M4 kit. Optional HVSS from AFV Club or DML Thunderbolt M4A3
M4A1 75d: use DML kit. Use turret from Tamiya M4 Early prod or new DML M4A2s
M4A1 76W: DML “battle of Bulge” kit. Some tweaks required
M4A2: DML, either Sherman III or Tarawa – check your references for which version you want.
M4A2 76W:DML
M4A3 early: old MP Models hull or mate DML Sherman III front hull with rear hull from DML. VVS and turrets same as in M4.
M4A3 Thunderbolt. Use turret from Tamiya M4 Early prod or DML M4A2s. VVS from Academy or DML.
M4A3 75W: hull from DML M4A3 Thunderbolt. VVS from Academy or DML. Turret from DML M4 Composite. Optional HVSS from AFV Club or DML M4A3 Thunderbolt.
M4A3 76W: DML M4A3 Thunderbolt – remove the grouser vent covers. VVS from other DML kits.
M4A3 (105): use hull from DML THunderbolt, turret from Tamiya M4A3 (105). Use HVSS or VVS as to references.
M4A3E2: Tamiya is junk. No accurate version w/o aftermarket.
M4A4: Tasca Firefly VC, use turret from Tamiya Early M4 or DML 75mm M4A2s. VVS from Tasca is fine.
Sherman VC Firefly: Tasca
At least that’s what’s available today. If Tasca comes out with more stuff, they’ll supercede others. Right now,t he Tasca Firefly VC, DML Thunderbolt M4A3E8, DML M4A2 76W, DML Sherman III, DML M4A2 Tarawa are the best OOB Sherman kits today.