The RFM tracks might be an issue for you, they are time consuming, whilst the Asuka are bands.
Asuka kit has more fiddly parts compared to the RFM one but less photoetch, if you do not like working with those.
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I use aftermarket metal tracks on every tank, when/if available, so, no concern there. Concerning PE, I can take it or leave it. 
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In that case I would like to see the RFM being built, I cannot make up my mind about buying or not.
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Ok…1 vote for the RFM…thanx!
More input from others please!
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Honestly, as much as I love all the Asukas I’ve built, I’d go with the RFM. I’m building one now and it’s just amazing. Got the whole hull, turret and running gear together, no putty, the fit is that good. It’s a fun kit and just a pleasure to put together.
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RFM please… it’s one on my possibly to get list for a Sherman… Be nice to how it builds up before I decide
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So far, 3-0 in favor of the RFM.
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A little while ago I called my IDF M1 Super Sherman ‘complete’ for this campaign, and I stand by that decision. Since then, I have decided the T49 tracks were not up to my standard, nor the application to the finished vehicle. In the meantime, the search was on for better aftermarket tracks. I found E.T. Model to be the answer. The tracks are very durable and can withstand a bit of rough handling. The ‘locking’ feature of the track ends over the metal rods is exquisite…being felt as they are engaged to the metal rods. Although the set is well engineered, they are still single links. They will take a tedious amount of time to complete.
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Jack those look spectacular! I’ve got Masterclub VVSS tracks that I think are excellent, but these look even better. You push the end connector onto the steel bar? That’s prototypical. Amazing! Going to order some of these right now.
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Yes, starting with end connectors placed properly within the jig, place the track face up, install the rods into the track links, then push end connectors on the outside over the rods until you feel 'click(s)/solid resistance. It actually ‘seals’ both end at the same time (at least that’s the way I do it). Everything is indexed and dummy proof. The flexibility afforded after assembly is remarkable. I’ll be able to ‘sling’ the track around at ease for paint/weathering and not fear tearing up the assembly. The instructions I included show the illustration of what I explained in words. Very simple, but tedious.
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Very nice looking tracks, I’ll search the web for them. And all the jigs, eventually! I’m tackling a super old Modelkasten set for the Sherman Krupp just for sake of making use of them (and maybe to boost that I could win on them 
).
Incidentally: did anyone try the T Rex offering?
I built a set for a Jagdpanzer IV and were outstanding. T Rex almost disappeared from distributors in EU and rapido set on 50€. So no way right now.
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And a bit of M12 as well: started to weathering and made some Easter eggs as well to liven it up!
Cheers Pals
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The E.T. Model M4 VVSS tracks are available from HobbyEasy for $38.50 a set. That’s half the price of Masterclub! What great tracks! HobbyEasy carries 5 varieties.
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To each their own, but I have to disagree. Having built a number of RFM kits and a metric ton of Asuka kits, Asuka gets the nod.
Yes, RFM has a slight edge in the detail department, which mostly consists of more casting marks that are missing from the Asuka kits, but the RFM molding is NOT up to par with the likes of Asuka. Molding is far more crude, resulting in far more pronounced mold lines, bigger contact points between sprue and part and a FAR inferior fit.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking the RFM kit, but it’ll be far more of a fight than Asuka will be.
Either way, you will end up with a very goodlooking Sherman regardless of which one you go for.
Can i get info on where the ammo and espically those decals came from?
Just found this vid - an interesting build idea! Any takers?..
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Jay,
Specifically which respective kits were being compared?
Sherman’s aren’t my cup of tea but the Asuka Firefly kit looked decidedly inferior in all aspects to the RFM Firefly kit in the box to me. Of course, nice looking in the box doesn’t add up to an excellent build in some cases. Maybe I didn’t compare the critical areas, can you point me to the specific details?
All of the RFM kits, I’ve built so far have been easy builds with outstanding fit with proper parts clean up. Are there specific areas or subassemblies to watch out for on the RFM Sherman’s?
Thank you
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I like the Tasca/Asuka kits and hold them as the gold standard, but the RFM M4A3s I’ve built are just as good in my opinion. (Haven’t seen the RFM Firefly yet…) Of course fit of parts depends on careful cleaning of sprue gates and care taken while placing parts, as neither brand is a simple “shake the box” build.
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Hi Michael, it’s AFV Club set 35017, including 155 and 203 mm (8in) ammo, fiber tubes and full set of decals. Brass ammo of both calibers are also part of the set, depicting the projectiles ready for shooting, that is with the fuse and the rotating rim exposed.
Cheers
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