Archer Fine Transfers
1/35 M4A1 81MMC Halftrack (Revised)
Sheet Number: 35265
Reviewed by  Mark Aldrich, IPMS# 39295

[decal package image]

MSRP: $11.95
Website: www.archertransfers.com .

Editors Note: On 27 August 2007, we received the following from Archer Fine Transfers.
AR35250, the 81mm halftrack set is discontinued because of numerous errors in the research. Archer Fine Transfers is actively seeking modelers who have bought that sheet and offer a refund notice on the Main page of our website. There will be no addendum ... there will be an entirely new sheet with a new part number.
This is a review of the revised sheet under the new part number.

With the recall of the old M4 set, Archer Transfers has released this new and improved version. There are some major and minor changes included with this set. The Major is the huge star for the hood. The minors are some stenciled names on the doors and hood. There is also a change in the Hood identification stencil as well.

A neat feature is that Archer offers three detailed photographs of this actual vehicle on their website. The ochre colored background is First Generation CARC (Chemical Agent Reactive Compound) paint. It changed color when exposed to poisonous gases. One downside is that I have to make two boxes for the winch front end. The 2nd Armored Division mortar guys were definitely box happy.

Archer states that this transfer sheet builds one modified Dragon M4A1 kit. Unless you do some major modifications to the Dragon kit, you will not get an M4A1. You will only get a M4 vehicle with a modified rear end and marked for the vehicle in question.

Archer does include some basic ideas and directions on how to modify the rear firing compartment. However, an M4A1 is also altered at the front end. This includes the front grill and head lights. The builder will also need to scratch build the rear stand on board that both boxes are attached to as well as the center section. Also, there are two boxes attached to the winch frame.

Archer also includes the link to three very detailed photos of 3-15. The rear section will give you an idea of the work involved in the conversion. The other two photographs show you the neat features of this particular vehicle. Along with all the conversion items, you also need to paint a line done the hood and around the machine gun skate. The purposes of these white (maybe yellow) stripes were for laying in the mortar. Also of particular note is the fact that the vehicle uses a .50 Cal machinegun with a small ammunition feed box.

I would like to thank Woody Vondracek of Archer Fine Transfers and Archer fine Transfers for this fine set of transfers to review. With any luck and some determination, I will be able to make my modified M4A1 into a great looking kit.

See also Mark's build of the Dragon 1/35 M4 81mm Mortar Carrier.


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