US Medium Tank M4A3E8 Sherman ''Easy Eight'' -- Plastic Model Military Vehicle Kit -- 1/35 -- #35346

What an outstanding kit! Most Tamiya kits are very good, but this kit tops even their usual high quality. I really enjoyed the chance to construct the lower hull from multiple parts. This is not one of those kits where the entire lower hull is a single molded piece - you get to build it. There is also plenty to do building up the suspension and wheels. The turret features a vertically movable main gun that will hold its position where you place it. The commander's cupola has clear view ports, which I have not seen on other Tamiya kits. There is a half figure of the tank commander that is posed in a realistic position. All hatches can be modeled open or closed. The vinyl tracks are pretty good. Regular plastic model cement works with them, so it is much better than the older style where you have to melt pins to keep the ends together. Tamiya gives you their standard great set of tools and accessories to decorate the tank, including shovel, ax, crowbar, spare fuel cans, extra track links, etc. Part fit is great throughout the entire model - I didn't have to use putty anywhere. There are only a few decals; stars for the turret, sides and front depending on which of the two version you choose to build. All the decals went down fine with a bit of decal setting solution. Overall, this kit was straight forward to build, was high quality and was great looking once finished. I highly recommend it.