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Built Review
135
M4A3 Sponson Fillers

by: Jim Lewis [ GUNTRUCK ]

Formations Models Set F011 provides modelers in 1:35th scale a quick fix for the bane of those who have Tamiya Sherman model kits - filling the open sponsons. Formations Models set for the M4A3 will work on Tamiya kit numbers 35122, 35250, and 35251. The example I used was free from air bubbles and warpage. I was able to open the package, study the instructions and a couple of photo references, and attach it to my Tamiya M4A3 Hull in about 30 minutes. I am no expert on the M4 Medium Tank, so I thought this a good sign.

My Sponson Filler floors fit onto the Tamiya Hull, but left some areas at the rear to fill. Neither reaming out the circular cuts or sanding away material from the underside of the Tamiya upper hull quite did the trick. However, it was quite simple to fill the rear area with Apoxie Sculpt and sand smooth.

The Formations Models set also includes their number F033 Exhaust Deflector, that replaces the inaccurate part provided in the Tamiya kit. The instructions here were generally okay for a modeler relatively new to Shermans - but mounting the Exhaust Deflector itself proved more than a simple drop-fit. There is no locating tab on the Formations part to locate the resin item, like on the Tamiya part. My example was slightly shorter than the span between the Sand Shield Mounting Plates - so sandwiching the Exhaust Deflector between them was a no-go. The most expedient solution came in trimming away the mounting strip from the Tamiya part and attaching it to the Formations Models replacement.

I recommend the Formations Models set, as it allowed me to quickly address the major shortcoming of the Tamiya M4A3 and got me into finishing up that model quicker. It is inexpensive and easy to work with, providing some nice detail underneath the sponsons of the miniature. It is easy for novices with resin products to use successfully.

This review item was purchased by GunTruck Studios for review on Armorama.
SUMMARY
  QUALITY:90%
  FIT/EASE OF USE:70%
  INSTRUCTIONS:90%
Percentage Rating
80%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: F011
  Suggested Retail: 7.00
  Related Link: Formations Models Page
  PUBLISHED: Dec 25, 2004
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 89.45%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 87.50%

About Jim Lewis (GunTruck)
FROM: CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

I love American AFV's from all eras and researching Vietnam-era Gun Trucks and US Army Pentomic and Atomic Battlefield Ordnance from the 1950's through the 1960's. Avid Sci-Fi fan and modeler as well - Star Wars, Space:1999, and Star Trek are favorites. Owner/Master Miniaturist - GunTruck Studios....

Copyright ©2021 text by Jim Lewis [ GUNTRUCK ]. All rights reserved.


   
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