Sherman M4A1 Brass Detail Set

Manufacturer: ExtraTECH (Kit No. EXV 72 003)

This moderately useful set is composed of 31 parts, which include:

• wire periscope guards
• metal framework for turret rear
• mechanical gunsight
• hatch handles and lift rings
• headlight guards
• pioneer tools
• machinegun details

Unlike the other ExtraTECH sets reviewed here, this Sherman set actually contains many parts that I do not find useful. I am referring to the pioneer tools, hatch handles and lift rings. I feel that etched brass is too 2-dimensional for these parts. It is better to use wire or solder for the lift rings and handles, and styrene for the tools. It would be good, however, to use the brass shovel blade, combined with a styrene or wire handle, and perhaps the axe head, also, after thickening some with putty or plastic. Despite the low cost of this set, I would recommend the Eduard set over this one, considering the higher number of useful parts in that set. However, if you are only looking for headlight and periscope guards (as a friend of mine once was), then the low cost of this set is appealing, even considering the useless parts. The set is designed for the Revell Sherman, but could be used on any Sherman-based vehicle, and it includes good instructions.