Reviews : Tamiya US M4A3E2 Tank Jumbo

The Tamiya 1/35 M4A3E2 Jumbo is a very nice kit, especially if it's your first tank. It has a fairly low part count, but builds into a great representation of the subject. It comes with stowage parts like ammo crates, extra wheels, and spare track sections, as well as various tools that attached to the rear surface. It also includes 2 figures: 1 complete figure for the main hatch, and a 1/2 figure to go up front. Thus the hatches can be modeled open or closed. There is no interior detail, but wouldn't be very noticeable regardless. I added more stowage accessories from an Academy kit, and I scratch-built a tow cable, as well as a shelf up front as per references, as crews often customized their tanks in the field. The decals give 3 options and go down very well with some setting solution. This was a really fun, and fairly quick build of a famous WWII tank.

Tamiya's attention too the fine details has produced a great kit that builds into an excellent representation of this well recognized tank. The additional crew figures, external crates packs, and fuel cans etc. are a nice touch that really enhances the finished result. Though the detail on the exterior is impresive their is no interior, but using the crew members to fill open hatches more than makes up for that. It is an enjoyable build and the result is as rewarding as it is realistic.

I had no seen this kit for the Sherman until recently. Though looking at the Tamiya number shows it is older. Rather plain for small details but the Jumbo had extra armor and less gadgets. Very empty of internal parts and the figures are not a good fit, probably borrowed from another kit. Still it was inexpensive for the usually quality of Tamiya models.