Description
M4A3E8 Sherman "Easy Eight"
1/35 Military Miniature Series No.346 by Tamiya
An Easy Ride
The U.S. M4 Sherman tank was undoubtedly one of the symbols of WWII, deployed in great quantities and numerous variants to counter the potent threat of German armor. One such variant was the M4A3E8, which was one of the final Sherman types and thus had the benefit of design improvements developed from experience in battle. These included a hardy welded late production hull, plus the welcome addition of the 76mm main gun. It was also fitted with new Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS), and wider tracks, making for the significantly more comfortable ride that led to the M4A3E8's nickname of "Easy Eight." They were thrown into their maiden operation in the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 as part of the 4th Armored Division under General Patton's overall command, contributing to the relief of the besieged town of Bastogne and the eventual triumph of the Allies in the European Theater.
This is an all-new kit designed by Tamiya’s top designers which recreates the "Easy Eight" variant of the legendary Sherman medium tank. The M4A3E8 was known fondly as the “Easy Eight” by its crews, thanks to the relatively smooth drive afforded by its Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS). Another distinguishing feature was its 76mm gun. Some of the 2,500 examples produced were in time to appear in the Battle of the Bulge (Dec. 1944-Jan. 1945), and others even served in the Korean War years after the Allied WWII triumph. Movie buffs will no doubt also recall that the "Easy Eight" was the star of the 2014 hit film "Fury."
THE TAMIYA-DESIGNED M4A3E8 KEY FEATURES
• Slide molded turret and upper hull parts give an unbeatable combination of hassle-free assembly and highly realistic detail levels. Cast metal turret and welded hull surface textures are rendered accurately.
• The rear showcases sharp, detailed molding on engine grilles and exhausts, as well as the numerous accessories depicted by the kit.
• Clear parts are used to recreate light lens and cupola vision block parts, further upping the realism of this kit.
• The single-pin T66 tracks are recreated with minimum fuss and great accuracy, by the included belt-type tracks. Drive sprockets feature fine holes.
• A commander figure in realistic pose is provided for the cupola. The periscope seen on the hatch underside is depicted using separate parts.
About the Model
• 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit.
• This is an almost entirely-newly designed model (road wheels and other small parts use existing design), which captures a WWII "Easy Eight" with stunning accuracy.
• Features such as the large turret and powerful gun are beautifully rendered.
• Detailed depictions of the HVSS and single pin T66 tracks contribute to the authentic appearance.
• Modelers can choose to assemble the model with its various hatches open or closed.
• 2 marking options included.
• 1 commander torso figure for the cupola included.
Length: 214mm, width: 86mm. Image shows painted and finished model.
Tamiya Color paints for painting the U.S. Medium Tank M4A3E8 "Easy Eight" European Theater
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| Tamiya Colors | Acrylic Colors (Item No.) |
Enamel Colors (Item No.) |
Tamiya Colors | Acrylic Colors (Item No.) |
Enamel Colors (Item No.) |
| X-1 Black | 81501 | 80001 | XF-56 Metallic Grey | 81756 | 80356 |
| X-7 Red | 81507 | 80007 | XF-57 Buff | 81757 | 80357 |
| X-10 Gun Metal | 81510 | 80010 | XF-59 Desert Yellow | 81759 | 80359 |
| X-11 Chrome Silver | 81511 | 80011 | XF-60 Dark Yellow | 81760 | 80360 |
| X-18 Semi Gloss Black | 81518 | 80018 | XF-64 Red Brown | 81764 | 80364 |
| XF-1 Flat Black | 81701 | 80301 | XF-84 Dark Iron | 81784 | 80384 |
| XF-2 Flat White | 81702 | 80302 | XF-85 Rubber Black | 81785 | 80385 |
| XF-15 Flat Flesh | 81715 | 80315 | --- | --- | --- |
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★Useful tools in construction of the model Item 74112 Fine Pin Vise D-R (0.1-3.2mm) Item 74095 Drill Bit (1.0mm) |
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Make the details stand out! Items 87131, 87132, 87133 & 87140: Panel Line Accent Color (Black), (Brown), (Gray), (Dark Brown) |
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Adding realistic weathering effects to your model Tamiya Weathering Master & Stick |
Additional Information
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Product Data
Packed Dimensions: 0.42 kg - 35 x 20 x 5.2 cm
Release Status: Released
Initital Release Date: December 2015
Please note that model kits may require adhesives/paint to bring out their full potential. Images shown may be of a prototype and final result may vary. Accessories are sold separately unless stated otherwise.