DML Easy 8

[Stikpusher]

I’ve had this kit in my stash for probably close to 30 years now, when it was a new release. AZ AMPS is doing something of a GB entry for Modelzona here in November, which the theme is Victory 1945. I think an Easy 8 Sherman fits the bill for that theme so I decided to build this as my participation for our entry



This kit is based off of the Italeri M4A3 kit, but needs some surgery to allow the DML HVSS suspension parts to fit. So I had to grind off the original VVSS mounting plates







Then I started adding the DML HVSS suspension parts



and now it’s almost ready for adding the HVSS bogies, with just some more painting needing to be done



More updates coming soon…

[Stuart]

This'll be very interesting to watch Carlos - I wonder how it compares to the Tamiya kit.

[Stikpusher]

Well it is a good 20+ years older in molding technology. And something of a hodgepodge of age at that. The basic hull is the old Italeri M4A3. Then Dragon added a new suspension, requiring the surgery to install, plus a new late production T23 turret. Lastly DML included indy link T66 tracks, while Tamiya has the gluable belt type tracks. I suspect that their HVSS suspension is not as rickety as on this kit. One thing that I do like about this kit is that DML added the extra armor plates that was frequently added to some Easy 8 Shermans in 1945 in the ETO. But a standard no frills Easy 8 can be built by simply leaving off those parts.

[Brandons_Iron]

This is cool. I was wondering about the box art. She looks very armored up, like a Jumbo. So, the kit is like "here's some parts, build what you want"?

[Stuart]

This'll be very interesting to watch Carlos - I wonder how it compares to the Tamiya kit.

Well it is a good 20+ years older in molding technology. And something of a hodgepodge of age at that. The basic hull is the old Italeri M4A3. Then Dragon added a new suspension, requiring the surgery to install, plus a new late production T23 turret. Lastly DML included indy link T66 tracks, while Tamiya has the gluable belt type tracks. I suspect that their HVSS suspension is not as rickety as on this kit. One thing that I do like about this kit is that DML added the extra armor plates that was frequently added to some Easy 8 Shermans in 1945 in the ETO. But a standard no frills Easy 8 can be built by simply leaving off those parts.

That all sounds good - And that's kind of what I was thinking. Just because it's an older kit doesn't mean it's going to be worse.

[Stikpusher]

Brandon, it is indeed uparmored on the box art. Ordnance shops would cut up wrecked tanks and add the armor to the glacis, upper portion of the transmission housing, and frontal arc of the turret. In essence they were field created Jumbos, without the extra side or mantlet armor. Although Colonel Abrams' Easy 8, Thunderbolt VII, did get some extra hull side armor as well. And yes, this kit can build a basic Easy 8, or one of the up armored types



Stuart, the Italeri Sherman kits are not bad by any stretch. They do have a few shortcomings, but those are easily fixed.

[Stikpusher]

And for today's progress update, I was able to get the return rollers painted


then later I glued the HVSS bogies into place



the next stages will be working on the indy link tracks and the upper hull....

[Stuart]

Very nice indeed Carlos!

Can I take it from the fact that you're painting all the running gear now, that you're putting the side skirts on?

[Stikpusher]

Nope, no side skirts on this one. But I want no missed areas with weathering in there before I add the tracks. Besides, the tank in the photo that I believe that Dragon based their kit upon did not have the sand shields/side skirts… those usually taken off by the crews in service right away

[Gary Brantley]

Very neat surgery on the suspension fix, Carlos. Good lookin' progress too!