Reviews : Tamiya M4A3 Sherman 75mm Tank

Recently got back to the hobby Step away from cars for a moment and built this one. The first Tamiya i ever built was the motorized easy8 Sherman. I thought it was great until i bought the M3 Lee and M3 Stuart. Wow what a difference in detail especially for kits back in those days (the 70s). Then i bought this kit and though i had built other Shermans from other companies thru the years where the details really improved immensely, this kit STILL wowed me so many extra parts (which is nice because i'm basically starting all over again collecting Sherman spare parts). It does have its cons but, to me they aren't a big deal, since the two major ones are fixable. These are: The Classy Peg and Caballero Decal aren't mirror images of the left and right so. you have one correct side and one wrong side. the fix, don't use them or make your own corrected ones (you'll find how to's on youtube for making decals). The second (which is common for Tamiya armor, is no sponson. I have no clue why, even through all these years, they continue to do this? Don't they know you can see thru the tracks to the other side? I'm sure a lot of modelers have asked them about it. But, again no big deal. Just buy styrene sheets and make your own, besides it might give you ideas to scratch build an interior i'm not too nit-picky about other details you may find in books about a fresh factory built Sherman since in combat (i'm a US Army veteran), maintenance crews will use any good parts available from a disabled Sherman and one might have actually existed in the field but was destroyed. Also, factories will use older parts when they run out of the newer ones. Again this happens in the field so, it wouldn't a surprise to see a Sherman with different sets of road wheels on a bogie. This i think adds interest in a model (which again would happen in real life). so just enjoy your build and don't be afraid to be creative, especially with this Tamiya kit

This model has the most options of any American tank model I've experienced. There are many accessories to include with the tank (such as ration boxes, jerry cans, oil cans, spare track, ammunition boxes, and supply packs), so an enhanced diorama is possible without buying separate accessory kits. The tank itself is detailed perfectly with options for the late version road wheels or for the mid-production version. There are two commander cupola options, mid- or late production. The three versions provided in this kit (Caballero, #50 and Classy Peg) makes it tempting to buy twice more so I can take advantage of the two I opted not to use. My favorite part of this kit is the included figures. Not only are there figures for the 4 pictured on the box (3 infantry and 1 tank commander), but there are several bonus figures. There are actually 2 replicas of the command figure in the box picture. I was able to use the second one for another tank model that came without crew figures. There is another command figure, different from the one pictured on the box. There is also a bust of a third command figure. As if that weren't enough, there are 2 busts of a driver figure. They are identical, but what a nice way to supply crew figures to other, unmanned tank model kits. This model kit has not only made a great diorama for my collection, but has also enhanced some of my other U.S. tank dioramas by supplying spare crew figures. I recommend this model kit with all enthusiasm. M. Stilwell

This was the first Sherman I've built and the first Tamiya kit I've put together. I'm new to scale modeling and this was my second piece of armor I've put together. It was pretty straight forward and all went together very nicely. Poly caps for all the wheels were nice. The rubber band tracks went together with regular plastic cement, although they will melt a bit, so dont hold them with your finger when you put the glue on. I built but didn't paint the figures - I'll use them later for some diorama. This kit had a lot of accessories with it - lots of canvas packs, satchels, eight or ten each of 30 and 50 cal ammo boxes, K rations, stowage crates, Jerry cans and oil drums. Lots and lots of stowage so your Sherman won't look bare. I was going to put half on and leave half off for diorama pieces. The accessories are great bits to use for other vehicles too if you dont load up your Sherman. I ended up randomly placing the stowage where I thought the crew and troops might keep things, and where they made sense not to fall off if the tank was moving. Overall, good kit - a couple cupola, road wheel, and drive sprocket options too.

Now the rivet counters types might not think highly of these kits but its a great platform to build out of the box or to try your hand at scratch building and modifying. I decided to push it as far as I can so I shaved off all the molded handles and scratch built those, scratch building the exhaust deflector and rear skirts on either side of it. Used styrene to replicate the sand skirt mounting strips, built up the right side of the turret with putty for a better profile and blended the pistol port, add styrene rods w texture for better welds on the hull, built up the welds on lift hooks, drilled weep holes around filler caps etc. The list can go on, as I said a nice easy build or a great platform to develop your skills by researching and adding lots of easy DIY details.

I really enjoyed building this model. It is good quality, highly detailed, and good quality plastic that doesn't require primer before painting. The pieces fit together nicely with little manipulation, filing, or flash removal. The tracks are moveable as long as you are careful when gluing the wheel pieces together. I hand painted this model rather than air brushing but either technique would work well. Make sure to apply the decals to the tank prior to gluing on the attachments as there is some overlap. The only think I would change is that I painted this with Tamaiya Olive Drab which is darker green than the actual color of most of these tanks. Testors olive drab is closer to the authentic color.

I have a soft spot for Sherman tanks and two of them are Italeri and the other Tamiya, two being cross kits from each model. The one is the British MkII which had its start in the 8th Army in North Africa and was the result of Lend Lease where by the U S tank forces got to spend time with the British learning tank tactics and training the British on the Sherman. My MkII is made from the Italeri hull and chassis and the Tamiya turret with one hatch blanked out as the MkII photos suggest. This is a great kit for any type of Sherman as the kit contains so many spare parts that detailing using other kits is not required.

This was my first Tamiya tank kit, and it turned out to be very fun to build and paint. I have liked Tamiya kits ever since. As usual, Tamiya gives the modeler lots of extras like ration boxes, shovel, pick, axe, extra tank treads, etc. You also get options for building the kit, like different versions of the commander's hatch (either a split down the center version, or a newer, round one piece). The commander is a full figure, while the driver is just the torso. The treads are the one piece flexible type, and are relatively easy and quick to attach to the completed model. Highly recommended overall.

If you saw the Movie called FURY, you will really appreciate this tank. The Movie is based on a Sherman tank with its crew. Now you can build this Sherman tank for yourself. It was a true delight to build. Very surprised how many extra accessories came with it. Because it also has plenty of decals, I actually put decals on second to last and then put extra accessories on as the last thing I did to complete this tank. Happy again that it came with action figures to add to the authentic feel of this tank. Definitely would love to build a second one, someday. Grade would be a solid A plus.

What an outstanding kit this M4A3 Sherman Tank from Tamiya is. The casting and fit of the pieces was excellent, as was the overall detail. But what I most enjoyed was all the extra supplies and arms that were in the kit. The extra rifles, hand grenades, knives, sidearms, canteens, helmets, boxes, shovels etc. were a lot of fun painting and then deciding where to place them. I still have quite a few of them to use – I’m going to add some of them to the Willys Jeep that I recently but together and then try my hand at a diorama with both the tank and the jeep together.

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.

The was a fun kit to put together. There were some vary small problems like alot of clean up on the parts, but everything snaps together and is easy to build. There's alot of extra gear to put on the tank and make it look used. My only complaint was the figures are of the lower quality and I had truble painting them and making details not look like there melted together. But on the end it's a great kit for it's price and would totally recommend if on a budget.

Although not a Sherman enthusiast, personally, this is still one of my all time favorite kits. Everything comes together with the instructions, the tank itself and extras. Not that it's full proof. The more skill the modeler possesses the better the turnout. That said, this kit is just fine for a first time tank modeler. It's one of those kits - you can trial and error some, and if one wishes, do it again another way at a later date. Great job, Tamiya!

If you've read and of my reviews you would know I love Tamiya models. They're well manufactured, the instructions are easy to follow, and you don't have to be a master modeler to get a good end result. This model went together well and had a ton of accessories to add to an already cool model. It also gives you three infantry guys and a tanker to finish of the model. This kit is a very good value and is perfect for a new modeler to start on.

This was a relatively easy model to build, which was good because it was my first in over 40 years. The model turned out great. I spent a lot of time painting and weathering. All the extras that came with the kit really makes it fun to build. The only problem I had was that the tracks are very fragile when trying to attach them to the tank. Be careful and take your time. Great starter Model

Nice kit. This was my first kit in 25 years. Really fun build. Decided I would add some photo etch brass details from a Verlinden and Eduard kits along with some added aftermarket stowage and home made. Model was finished with Tamiya TS5 Olive Drab lacquer and weathered using an array of AK Interactive acrylics and oils. Dirt was made using tile grout and a bit of static grass.

The tank is easy to build. Even beginners won't have too many problems when building this. It can be hand painted , but I airbrushed it anyways. If you hand paint, the tank will still look good, but it might look more weathered. The figures are nice, and are basically highly detailed toy soldiers. They will take time to paint, so I usually don't paint them :P

This was a great kit. Tons of accessories to help really add to your model, including crew members and support infantry. Assembly was easy, with very little modifying, if any required to put everything together. As usual with Tamiya, directions were clear and easy to follow.

The kit is very good the modeler was not. This modeler screwed up by installing one track going in the wrong direction. OOPs This was my 1st US tank build. I am pointing this out so you wont make the same mistake. Figures are exceptional. I would recommend this kit !

This was my tank that I made and I really enjoyed putting it together. It was easy and everything went together very well. After I was done with it, it turned out really good. I look forward to building another one soon. Also I would recommend this tank to anyone.

Would highly recommend this kit to anyone looking for a solid build. It was a bunch of fun building this tank now its time to start paint and weathering Their is many accessories you can buy for this kit if you want to take it up a level as well

Was a really nice build, really fun, and another awesome model from tamiya, nice figures, came out great in the end. I would even go to say this is probaly one of the best starting kit for 1/35 armor, this or the Panzerkampfwagen II.

Easy kit to assemble. Detail is not as great as some out there. However, it is a fun kit to work after you have finished an interior kit such as a Ryefield. Quick to assemble and you can spend a bit of time to weather the exterior.

A friend of mine got this kit and I helped him build it. The parts fit together well and the figures look great! There was a lot of extra little parts to dress up this Sherman. Over all, a nice, fun build! I recommend this kit!

this was a really fun build. not real complicated and maybe too simple for some really advanced builders. but the kit had very little flash and needed next to no clean up. parts fit great and looks nice when done and weathered

can't say enough good things about this model. the extra soldiers and accessories are almost worth the price of the kit alone. good detail and fit. great addition to anyone's collection. highest of reccomendations

Nice kit. Comes with several figures (including some half figures for driver/hull gunner, not mentioned on the box) and also includes crates, oil cans, etc. Back deck is exceptionally well sculpted.

The Sherman is the tank of WWll. What can we say, can’t do WWll without it. This kit goes together well, looks great and very little flash . I highly recommend it for anyone wanting a great kit!

This Sherman gives you the choice of what you want to put on it. Plenty of accessories come with the tank. Comes with extra tank crew you can put in other models. Great buy one of my favorites

Had a great time building this WWII Sherman. The decals and numerous accessories made it fun for me to mix and match articles to my liking. Once again Tamiya hit a home run.

As always its great tamiya doing great again very pleased with results there were absolutely no problems with the build and just fell right into place and looks great too.

This is really fun build. Other than the rubber on the road wheels and the accessories it really doesn't need paint.its molded in a good color.

Good build quality and good for a beginner. I had fun building this and recomend it to anyone who is considering it.

Great fun and easy kit to build with a little work u can make it over the weekend kit.or detail it.

built this kit not to long a go had a little bit of after market looks great very fun kit to build

Good kit, easy to put together, good for a beginner, very realistic.

excellent model with great detail comes with 3 excellent figures