The legendary U.S. tank M4 Sherman first went into production in February 1942, and would undergo a number of modifications in order to combat the powerful threat posed by its opposing German counterparts. One such variant was the March 1944 M4A3(76)W, which took the late production hull and its superior armor, fitting it with an effective 76mm anti-tank gun. While this extra weight ultimately proved the undoing of the (76)W, it provided the impetus for the development of the horizontal volute spring suspension (HVSS) which was married with wider tracks on the M4A3E8 “Easy Eight” for a smooth and easy drive.
The Easy Eight missed the 1944 Normandy landings, but it was manufactured from August 1944 and took part in the Battle of the Bulge towards the end of the year. 2,500 were produced by September 1945, when its manufacture was halted. The Easy Eight would continue to serve in Korea in the years that followed.
The Tamiya Easy Eight Sherman tank model kit features detailed exterior, multi-piece lower hull, separately molded turret and hatches, 76mm gun, M2 heavy machine gun, detailed running gear (rollers, idler wheels, individual track links, moving HVSS suspension.)
Transparent parts, photo-etched parts, optional muzzle brake, rear rack can be deployed or stowed, jerry cans and separately molded on-vehicle equipment. Also includes 4) figures (3 Riflemen and 1 Machine gunner), with separately molded weapons and equipment).
Decals and markings for 4 vehicles:
- 5th Armored Div, Germany April 1945
- 66th Tank battalion, 2nd Armored Div, Teuven, Belgium February 1945
- 35th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Div, Bastogne, Belgium February 1945
- 8th Armored Div, Kirchhellen, Germany March 1945 and 8th Armored Div.
I’ve got several requests to add some pictures of the Easy Eight Sherman tank from Tamiya. The kit is boxed by Tamiya but as stated above, the kit is actually from Asuka Models. All the parts are nice and crisply molded free of flash or seam lines. If you are looking to build the Sherman tank featured in the movie Fury, this is the model kit to go with.
This nice model kit features individual T-66 working track links and suspension. The kit also comes with 4 decent figures to increase its value as well as a modest fret of photo etched parts to further detail your Sherman Easy Eight. The periscopes are molded in crystal clear styrene. The cast on the turret is outstanding.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this kit to a friend. Enjoy the pictures and remember, you can always enlarge them further by clicking on the ”View Full Size” link. It will open a new window.
