Academy releases updated 1/35 M4A3 (76)W “Battle of the Bulge” U.S. Main Battle tank (13500). Newly tooled parts include engine deck, late version VVSS (Vertical Volute Spring Suspension) and accessories. Produced with Academy’s typical attention to detail, the kit features accurately reproduced 76mm main gun and 12.7mm machine gun; T48 track with Duckbill extenders, photo etched parts and a choice of six markings.
Other features include rotatable turret, adjustable main gun elevation, hatches can be assembled opened or closed. Among the accessories are jerry cans, ammo boxes and additional tracks.
- New tooled parts
- Engine Deck
- Late Version VVSS Suspension and accesories
- Accurately reproduced 76mm main gun and 12.7mm machine gun
- T48 Duckbill tracks
- Photo Etched Parts
- Academy Kit number 13500
- Includes 6 marking options
- Available November 2016.
- MSRP: $46.00 USD
- Street Price: $34.99 USD +/-
Markings for Academy 1/35 M4A3(76)W Battle of Bulge Sherman Tank
Straight from the Battle of Bulge this is the new M4A3(76)W Sherman Tank from Academy. As with most new tooled model kits, the Academy 13500 kit is not the exception. Separate hatches are provided with molded-on crisp detail. A humble yet effective photo etch fret is provided. I would have loved to see a one piece cannon gun, but this most likely will be replaced by an aftermarket aluminum barrel for this 76mm Sherman tank.
Thanks Academy for the extra handles provided with this kit. As you folks might know, they are very prone to flying off and being lost to carpet monster. I will give a good nod to the rubber band tracks, *however*, I will have to see how do they fit on the final model. My experience with the Academy Tiger 1 a few months ago wasn’t quite good.
Overall the kit looks quite good and I have no doubt to it will build into a nice representation of the M4A3(76)W. My concern again are the rubber band tracks.
My sincere thanks to Model Rectifier for the review sample.
