This is my first full resin kit and first in-box review.
The M4 18 Ton High Speed Tractor was developed during World War Two to tow the 155mm
“Long Tom” Gun, the 240mm/8” Howitzers and the 90mm Anti-aircraft gun. This
particular kit is molded for the Long Tom and Howitzers. The kit will accent any of the
AFV Club offerings of those artillery pieces.
Castings-
There are 272 pieces in light gray resin of which 105 are the tracks and four etch sets
for the headlight guards. One thing I noticed immediately when I opened the box was the
casting plugs. I had heard horror stories from some modelers about the size of the casting
plugs and the difficulty in removing them. Most of the parts in this kit don’t have
them or they are small to miniscule. The smaller parts are connected to casting blocks via
very thin lines. Very few air bubble holes were found, but there is lots of Flash to clean
up.
Accuracy-
Accuracy appears very good. I’ve not much to go on, as I’ve never seen one of
these things in person. However, from the many photos that I’ve seen, online and in
books, this looks to be a good rendition. Detail on the kit looks good from
the pioneer tools, the bogies, to the inside of the cab. The crew seats even have seat
belts molded in.
Detail-
Detail is very good. No engine is included and the screens for the engine compartment are
solid. I suppose that the holes can be drilled out and a rough engine scratch built that
could be seen through the screens.
Instructions-
The instructions are decent but vague, in my opinion. Parts are not numbered and one must
rely on the diagrams and photo to determine parts and their locations. Some are obvious
such as the suspension and superstructure. From the two resin interior sets that I’ve
used in the past, I guess this is standard for resin kits.
Cons-
There are two major deficiencies and two minor:
- The treads are molded to the drive sprocket and the rear idler wheel.
- No clear styrene for the windscreen.
- The .50 cal machine gun looks too small and the mouting spindle appears to be the wrong
type.
- No decals are included.
Recommendation-
Highly recommended. Can’t wait to get started on this. I’ve had a 155mm gun for
a long time looking for a companion.
Steve Kubik
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