M4A2 (Mid) Conversion
for Tamiya M4 or Academy M10

Trakz
(A Division of the VLS Corporation)

Reviewed by Brett Green

Trakz has released a 1/35 scale mid-production M4A2 hull conversion. This simple but complete conversion is designed for either Tamiya's M4 Sherman, or Academy's 1/35 scale M10. Of course, if the M10 is used, a new turret will also be required.

The M4A2 (Mid) conversion comprises 10 parts in cream coloured resin. The large hull casting is the centrepiece of this set. Surface texture is very good, including weld beads, torch cuts on the edges of armour plate and subtly pitted and slightly rough steel on the glacis plate in particular. The fine engine grille is also well done.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

In addition to the hull, this set includes a new upper rear hull plate (not required if the conversion is based on the Academy kit), new exhaust mufflers, driver and radio operator's hatches, front mudguards and lifting lugs..

Casting quality is generally excellent. However, there were half a dozen small, raised bubbles of resin on the top of the hull in front of the engine grille. As usual, caution will be required when removing parts from their casting blocks as the attachment points are quite stout in places.

Instructions are supplied on a single side of a letter-sized sheet. Three photographs adequately indicate the position of the part on this straightforward conversion.

This set represents a very simple but quite accurate conversion to a Sherman variant widely used by foreign armies, including the UK and the Soviet Union; and also by the US Marines in the Pacific.

Recommended.

Thanks to VLS for the review samples

These and other VLS products may be viewed at Model Mecca, the VLS Website

Review Copyright © 2004 by Brett Green
Page Created 11 April, 2004
Last updated 10 April, 2004

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