M4A2 Conversion

Masters Productions, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

FirstLook

Tamiya offers a 1/48 scale M4, M4A1 and Firefly I in their excellent range of 1/48 scale Sherman kits. Until recently, it has been less than straightforward to model the diesel powered M4A2 variant, which was frequently used in the Pacific and by British and Commonwealth forces in Italy and Northern Europe.

Masters Productions is a new name on the 1/48 scale armour scene. Their debut production is an M4A2 conversion for Tamiya's Sherman kits.

Eleven parts are supplied in cream coloured resin. The highlight is the single-piece hull casting. This is beautifully cast, and features the diesel grille on the engine deck cast in place. Minimal cleanup will be required, with just the the tiniest remnants of flash needing to be removed. There are a few air bubbles visible beneath the surface on my sample, but these will be completely covered by a coat of paint with no filling or sanding required.

The remaining parts are equally well moulded and detailed. These include a new rear hull panel, engine vent under the upper hull overhang, exhausts, front mudguards and optional applique armour plates for the hull sides.

Masters Productions also supplies a resin plug to be glued to the inside of the upper hull. This acts as a point to drill Tamiya's mountin screw into.

Construction should be very straightforward. Most of these parts will be direct replacements for Tamiya's kit counterparts.

Surface texture is smooth, and weld beads are depicted as recessed lines.

Masters Productions' debut offering is impressive and will be welcomed by 1/48 scale Allied armour fans.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Quarter Kit Shop for the review sample