IPMS Kit Review: DML 1/72 Sherman Mk. V "Tulip"

Dragon Models Ltd

1/72 Sherman Mk. V "Tulip"

Kit Number: 7312

Reviewed by James Kelley, IPMS# 42106

MSRP: $13.98
Review copy provided by Dragon USA (www.dragonmodelsusa.com)

The United States provided tens of thousands of its Medium Tank M4, nicknamed the Sherman, to many of its Allies during the Second World War, under the terms of Lend-Lease Act.

The British received far more M4 medium tanks, approximately 17,000 (roughly 34% of all M4s produced), than any other Allied nation. The British practice of naming American tanks after American Civil War generals was continued, giving it the name General Sherman after Union General William Tecumseh Sherman, usually shortened to Sherman. The US later adopted the name and the practice of naming tanks after generals.

In British usage, Sherman I=M4, Sherman II=M4A1 and so on. Additional letters denoted other features; A for 76 mm M1/M1A2 L/55 gun, B for the 105 mm M4 L/22.5 howitzer, C for the OQF 17 Pounder gun, and Y for the wider tracked HVSS type suspension.

The Sherman V - essentially an M4A4 with 75 mm M3 L/40 gun is the basis of the review project, with some field-applied "up-arming". In 1945, as the British contingent advancing allied forces ( the 1st Coldstream Guards [Armoured]) advanced towards the Rhine river as part of Operation Veritable, someone had a bloody good idea; mount a pair of the 3-inch (60lb) RP-3 Air-To-Ground rockets used on Hawker Typhoons using some rudimentary launch rails to the Mk.V's turrets, and give "Jerry" a very nasty surprise. In the driest of British humour, the "Tulip" was borne.

Opening the box reveals 201 parts (153 in grey styrene, 46 etched brass, 2 DS 100 single-piece tracks). This kit is essentially a re-release of the Mk.V kit, with new sprues for the rockets and launch rails, 3 sprues from their previous "Firefly" release, and the M4A1 turret(s). Also included are two DS100 single piece tracks. A photoetch fret with some microscopically small parts is included.

Construction is relatively straightforward, and begins with the 5-piece bogie assemblies. These don't fit together especially well, and some care to file the seams is required. Casting numbers are beautifully rendered.

The upper and lower hull fits together very nicely. A large amount of the detail on the upper hull deck is molded on, with the exception of the shovel and the tow-hooks. Details include some wonderfully-cast welding beads, and although they are recessed, they add tremendously to the overall appearance when dry-brushed.

DML has used the "Slide-Mold" technology they've pioneered to the fullest extent with this kit, as the upper and lower hull sections are rife with petite details. Even in this scale, the main weapon's barrel is hollow at the muzzle. Two .50 caliber machine guns are included with the kit as remnants of previous versions. They're beautiful, but unfortunately not used here.

The transmission cover has separate bolt flanges, and comes with a choice of cast in or etched brass tabs for the tow shackles. Other photoetched parts include the periscope brush guards, taillight lenses, light guards, part of the tool brackets, and the locking tabs and grab handles for the hatches. I had enough patience to utilize the periscope brush guards and a few grab handles, but that taxed my limits quickly. I generally enjoy using PE upgrade parts, but in this scale, a little goes a long, long way!

The rocket launcher rail assemblies are a bit fiddly. Despite what the instructions say, I found it easier to build the assemblies, including the rockets, then mount the entire thing to the turrets. There are no mounting holes or markers for the rails, so careful attention is required here.

The DS 100 tracks are really nice to work with, and take acrylic paints without any trouble. However, it seems that every kit I've used them on so far is about one link too long. Even when a little "sag" is applied to the tracks, there seems to be a bit of "play" around the return roller.

Markings and finishing instructions are provided for three different tanks from the 1st Armoured Battalion, Coldstream Guards, Germany, 1945. All three are for AFVs finished in olive green with a choice of three different numbers: White 2A, White 2B, and Yellow 9B.

The Cartograf sheet is in perfect register, and the markings respond well to Mr. Mark Softer.

All in all, this is a wonderful little kit. It's kind of fun to open the 1:72 box, and to be greeted by the requisite "Dragon Card" of decals and PE fret…only "miniaturized". If you are a "Shermaholic", or a fan of lend-lease armor, or even just looking for something different to break up a case of modeler's block…this kit is highly recommended!

My thanks to Dragon Models USA and IPMS/USA for the review sample.

References:
Numerous, (2007, October).
Wikipedia: M4 Sherman. Retrieved October 28, 2007, from : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M4_Sherman

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