M4 (A3E8) Sherman

This Sherman kit is detailed and satisfying to build. The molding on small parts such as spare tracks, body mounted tools and accessories are quite good for this scale. 1/72 armor is tiny and the build is simple. Their are some challenges that will frustrate newer modelers. Installing the tracks is a nightmare. They are just a tad too small and they warp the suspension and drive gears. I think i will pin the gears through the body on the next armor build. Also, it is nearly impossible to heat the tracks together. Just use super glue in an area that is obscured by the fenders. It is difficult to assemble the body squarely. I used many clips and other objects to prop the panels true. The directions are vague in some places. Sherman tanks normally have a star on the top of the turret. The instructions do not reflect this either. The price on the kit is hard to beat and the build is simple but satisfying. As a side note: I do not understand how Hasegawa can make such good armor models but make lackluster aircraft. The kits I have purchased from Hasegawa are M4A2 Halftrack, M4 Sherman, P40, F4U and Lightning mk.6. I have been dissapointed by the aircraft for lack of detail in cockpit, undercarriage and paneling. Their armor models are much better, more detail, better plastic and better molding.