DML has announced a reissue of their Thunderbolt VII with retooled parts but did not say which. Do you think it would be any better than the first. Have they corrected the sunken weld lines?
The original release of the M4A3E8.76 "Thunderbolt VII (#6183) already has raised weld lines on the hull.
I would like to see the front and side fenders rendered in styrene for those who may not wish to deal with PE parts. [:)]
EDIT: http://www.dragon-models.com/html/6183poster_re.htm
Looks like it will have DS T-80 tracks.and another turret option.
It’s probably to counter the sales of the newly issued Tasca M4A3E8.
Don’t get me wrong: I applaud DML’s decision to improve on older kits – but the timing is fairly naked in its strategy vis-a-vis Tasca, the Sherman kit making king.
Pretty blatant isn’t it?. [whstl]
Kerrrrr-ap I just picked up the old Thunderbolt kit to do again (with more PE addons this time).
If they are going to do it over, then PLEASE remove the grouser covers on the rear deck over the sponsons…That is a pain and time consuming to fix. Maybe a PE set for front and back brush guards and rear shelf? Correct depth side add on armor? Front axel covers extrending to the edge of the transmission cover? How about a couple of extra road wheels to put on the fenders to replicate spare wheel stowage?
Anybody got any details on what is “improved” yet?
Hmm, I saw the edit with the details,
Nice track…but that appears to be it.
I stand corrected on the issue of the sunken weld lines. When I got back to the review of Terry Ashley on the first model of the DML M4A3E8. the comment was that the weld lines should have a continous flow instead of the hills and ridges type. Knowing this we can look at the weld lines again
I highly doubt it can compete with Tasca’s kit. A large portion of this kit seems to be reminiscent of Italari shermans.
I agree with Beltfed. The Tasca really looks good. I cannot see the wisdom of reissuing a model which got a lot of criticism in the past reworking on some areas and leaving out on some. I think I’ll go for the Tasca instead.
In some areas, it’s just simply easier to obtain DML product versus Tasca ones. I’m sure DML wants to quash peoples’ desire to order the Tasca one from online outlets. It’s just business… but I agree 100% about Tasca Shermans – in my eyes, they practically, can do no wrong! I’ve built three of them!
Roy, I agree with you… I got one of those Tasca Sherman kits and I was blown by its details. Only thing I was disappointed that it didn’t come with an aluminum barrel… I have to buy one eventually and it might cost me another $20 or more. At those higher price ranges, I think Tasca should include alumunum barrels? This DML kit is offering it if I am correct and it costs much less than Tasca… I might go for a DML kit this time.
I definately agree there. The two part barrel is extremely disapointing, especially at Tasca’s price. But a new barrel isnt that expensive at around $15; still annoying to replace something that the manufacturer could do better with