M-4A3 (76mm) VVSS Sherman

by Frank De Sisto

Summary

FirstLook

I am a fan of the classic US M4-series of medium tanks (who isn’t?). There are never enough kits and never enough after-market items for them…at least as far as I am concerned! So I welcome yet another etched brass set from Eduard, this time for the recent DML M4A3 (76mm) VVSS kit.

It is an extensive set containing three frets of plated etched brass and five pages of instructions. All of the items we have come to expect from an etched brass set are here including: tool clamps, clips and straps; tow cable brackets, rear deck storage tray with straps, and spare track block racks. There are also brush guards for the head- and tail-lamps, new front fenders and mounts, mounting strips for sand shields, retaining chains for fuel and water filler caps and stops for the opened engine deck access hatches.

The driver’s and bow gunner’s hatches receive completely new details as well as rotating plates and brush guards for the periscopes, plus a new vent and screen for the area between them. There are details for the commander’s cupola hatch as well as the loader’s split hatch, but there is no vane sight for the area in front of the commander’s cupola. The .50 cal.M2 heavy machine gun gets new sights, grips, cooling jacket (the bow .30 cal. gets this as well), carry handle, ammo box with tray and (flat) belted ammo. Finally, the various storage clamps for the .50 cal., as well as the travel lock are included. Throughout the set there are various (obviously flat) parts meant to represent handles of one sort or another. These are best left un-used; fine wire is a better alternative in this case.

This is a very useful set, although it is missing at least one critical item (the commander’s vane sight).

Highly Recommended.
 

Thanks to Eduard for the review sample.

Eduard products are available at retail and mail order shops, or direct from the manufacturer at: www.eduard.cz