M4A4 Kit FAQs Questions frequently asked about the DML/Dragon (and others) M4A4 and
Firefly Vc kits
Purpose: To cover the most frequently asked questions about the DML M4A4 type
kits and to provide information to the modeler so that they can have it
for what ever it's worth.
Disclaimer: I do not represent any faction, nor do I claim that all of the things
that I call "nit-picks" MUST be corrected on a model before it is presentable,
nor do I purport to be any sort of Sherman know it all. The information
provided here is based on the best information I have available to me,
i.e. an examination of an M4A4, ordnance drawings, approximately 834 megabytes
of pictures of different Sherman variants, and the "standard" book references.
I am very willing to admit that I don't know everything about this subject
and welcome new and better information. This page is provided for
information only, I try to keep my opinion out of the writing. I
am providing this because I have heard (actually read) many people bash
one or the other kit on various discussion groups because of "nit-picks"
and laud models with just as many or more "nit-picks". I also like
all of the models I have now of the M4A4 (MP Models and DML) because the
first Firefly I built was based on the Monogram M4. I count all of
the available Sherman models as blessings. Also, I don't have any
resin M4A4 hulls or kits so I can't comment on them. I mainly focused
on the commonly available kits.
1) Is the DML kit suspension correct?
No, with the exception of the 6121 Firefly Vc kit, it is not.
The other kits have a modified form of the Italaeri M4A1 suspension with
upswept return roller arms. The M4A4 should have horizontal return
roller arms.
2) Is the DML upper hull correct?
It is dimensionally accurate. There are a few things to nit-pick
about however.
Weld seams.
The bow (glacis) is missing the seam that is in between the driver's hoods.
Turret Splash guard The plate at the rear of the splash
guard near the gas cap splash guard should be spaced away from the splash
guard at its base where it joins the hull.
Driver's hoods
The driver's hoods are approximately .040 inches too wide.
It is often asked if the MP Models hull is better. Neither are perfect,
but both are fairly dimensionally accurate. The major flaw that the
MP hull has is that the antenna base represented in the kit is the smaller
base type. All of the M4A4 hull pictures I have examined show the
larger flange type.
3) Is the DML lower hull too long?
Yes. It is, by .165 inches. The drawing below is based on
the US Ordnance drawing of the M4A4 lower plate. The hatching shows
how the DML rear plate is rendered in the model. The hull should
actually be 4.945 inches. From the box, it measures 5.110.
A commonly suggested remedy is to cut the lower hull off just behind the
center access panel. While this gives the correct lower hull length, it does not properly represent
the lower hull detail. The diagram below shows a method that will
get the correct hull length and retain a more correct representation of
the hull bottom detail. The rearmost lateral stiffening rib is modeled
as being centered between the rear bogey support plates. It actually
is not, and is slightly forward of center.
The dashed lines indicate where to cut the model hull. The hatched
portions are removed, and the panel is slid to the rear. The sponson
bottoms are left alone.
As an aside, the MP Models hull bottom is incorrect as well. the
lower hull length is correct, however the detail dimensions have been adjusted
to force the stiffening rib to center between the rearmost bogey pads.
3) What's wrong with the DML 75mm turrets?
The DML 75 mm low bustle turret, which is seen in either the regular
or Firefly form in all of the DML/Dragon Sherman models requiring a low
bustle turret, does have "nit-picks". The OD turret in the pictures
below is a DML that has been modified. The gray turret is a straight
out of the box Firefly turret.
Non circular turret race
indistinct commander's cupola contour
bustle .06 inches too long
rotor shield opening for the gun mount is .050 too high in the turret.
The different M4A4/Firefly kits:
DML/ Shaghai Dragon:
6035
Chinese markings with hedgerow cutter parts, incorrect suspension
6???
1st issue of the Firefly Vc, incorrect suspension
Current Production
6041
60 lb rockets and British stowage, incorrect suspension
6121
60 lb rocket parts included, British stowage, corrected suspension
from M4A1 kit. Nice decals.
Others:
MP Models
Resin ones?
More questions? Here's my email address, (pretend It's being read to
you to decypher it)
mmcalc at crosslink dot net
Page by Mike Canaday
Date: 2-9-02
M4A4 Kit FAQs
