People thought that, but they didn’t consult the relevant documentation. I researched it, and found the documentation defining the “A1” modification package that I described in message 114.
I thought the spaced out VVSS was designated E9
When applied by itself, yes. The “A1” group of modifications applied to M32s that included the spaced suspension did not use that suffix.
KL
What was the designation for the HVSS variants?
Unless there were two TRVs both named CONTENTED COW, it didn’t change hulls.
The photo of the front shows the typical Ford antenna bracket. The photo of the rear shows an M4A3 armored exhaust deflector. The M4A2 type had a notch in the bottom center that isn’t present here. Also, the exhaust staining is two separate spots toward the outside, like a GAA engined vehicle, while an M4A2 would have a large mark in the center.
When PSC was converting M4A3s to M32B3s it appears that they used the sandshield mounting strips from M4A1 kits. The M4A3 hull was longer so two gaps are present in the strips on the lower hull, as seen in one of the photos, meaning this is an M32B3 converted by PSC.
One must also consider the odds. Of the welded hull TRVs made there were 318 M32B3s, 163 M32s, 12 M32B2s, and zero M32B4s. It’s believed that all of the M32B2s went to the USMC, but if not, is it likely that this is one of them?
KL
DARNIT!!!
Just realized after reading the CONTENTED COW marking on both vehicles (a lot of squinting involved).
M32** (HVSS) or M32** - HVSS, depending on where you look.
KL
This is an M4A4, or you could call it a Sherman V because it has British modifications (the spare track stowage racks on the glacis). You can tell from the space between the second and third roadwheel, and also by the little sloped plate at the rear of the turret splash ring.
Edit: Actually, it’s a Sherman VC. Only after posting the above did I notice the armour over the bow machine gun, and then it clicked why the barrel looks wrong: that’s a cut-down 17-pounder.
Hi James,
My impression is, you sell .stl files, not printed parts. Is this wrong?
Regards Thomas
Mainly STL files but 3D printed parts also to Armorama members.
This is the first time I see the Box art for these kits. First the M4A1 76w HVSS.
Do we have a release date for this kits yet?
Aside from Andy’s Sherman, I don’t normally buy Takom kits, but I have a question for you guys that have purchased their kits in the past. Does Takom always offer these kits in bundles right from the very start? I’m not complaining and I wanted both anyways plus it sounds like I’ll get a bonus 1/16 scale figure for Andy’s tank. So my question is, how much do these bundles usually retail for?
Here’s a link to “The Modeling News” story about these two kits and it sounds like they’ll be available later this month or early in June!
Takom has been doing the Big Boxes for a couple of years now. This one is $65 USD on Hobbyeasy for preorder, compared to $31 for one of the Shermans. Their 1/16 figures retail for around $15 but I expect this one will be slightly more with the .50cal included. So you are generally saving a few dollars buying the Big Box.
Thank you, that seems inexpensive. Hobbyeasy, they are from Hong Kong? That sounds expensive for shipping.
Wonder what retail will be in the US?
Used to be reasonable, now not so much. Sprue Brothers, Andy’s and Squadron will have them on sale locally “soon”.
Andy has the Tiger Big for $89, SB was $83. Sqaudron didn’t have that on listed. It will probably be in that ballpark.
Yes, it’s Hong Kong, but you don’t have to buy it there. The point was to show the cost differential between the Big Box and the individual kits. No matter where they are bought, the differential should be similar.
@Tank_1812
I haven’t shopped on Squadron in a good long while ever since I discovered scalehobbyist. I do support Andy as well, I still remember when he had the tiny shop here in El Cajon. I used to go there all the time. Never imagined Andy would grow the business like he has.
Hopefully one of these guys will get these in time for Father’s Day;)
I usually shop at Spruebrothers, since OLD Squadron was less competitive. I saw recently that the prices may have gotten better, so I’ll take a look at them again. Hard to fight those impulse buys, though (Picked up an old Heller AMX VCI, which is used by Ecuador; this would be a good kit to get a re-do from Takom).
Damon.
I might have been in there once or twice in the late 90’s. It felt like a haul from Chula Vista back then.
I forgot to mention Sprue Brothers, I’ve gotten some amazing deals there…I find their normal prices to be a bit higher than other sites but when they discount stuff that I want it keeps me checking their site on a regular basis. I probably go on there 2-3 times a week.
Is El Cajon Hobbies worth stopping in at? I was there a number of times (I think they were called something else before?) but haven’t stopped in years. Just drove by in January and debated stopping.
