Dragon Models Ltd

1/72 LCM(3) Landing Craft and M4A1 w/Deep Wading Kit

Kit Number: 7360

In-Box Review by  Howie Belkin, IPMS# 16

MSRP: $29.99 Web Site: www.dragonmodelsusa.com Over 250 parts including 112 in grey styrene, 97 in DS cement able soft plastic, 2 etched brass frets, 1 nylon string, 1 twisted wire tow cable, 1 vacuformed clear base, 9 figures, 3 beach hedgehog obstacles. DML released these as separate kits not so long ago and they have been very favorably reviewed separately. DML has packaged these two separate models together so this is simply an in-box review to let you know what you get and don't get in a timelier review than if this was a built-up review. The first thing that strikes you is that this is a state of the art modern kit of what Airfix released back in the 1960s with their 1/76 LCM(3) landing craft and ancient M4 Sherman. As I recall, it came with two British Naval crewmen in hard plastic that were very nicely done. The LCM(3) itself was well done for its day, but the Sherman was one of the early Airfix kits and even though it is still on hobby shop shelves it's quite the sow's ear. We've come a long way, baby! There is absolutely no comparison between DML's 1/72 kits and the old Airfix models though war gamers or possibly a diorama builder who wants multiple models for minimal cash outlay might have cause to favor Airfix. DML offers you today's state of the art. Starting with the LCM(3), you are given the exact same kit as per DML's previous LCM(3) release, complete with three soft plastic USN crewmen and a clear vac-u-formed base that allows you to display the craft at waters edge discharging its Sherman. You MUST display your model on this or your own base, as the way it is molded there is no option for a waterline or full hull model. If you use the white thread for the cable that operates the front ramp, I suggest you paint it a metallic color and then run it through bees wax to eliminate 'split ends.' Decals provide you with enough numbers to create an LCM(3) of your choice, but do your research whether you want to depict one used in the ETO or Pacific theatre. The P.E. for the machine gun shields is also included. The bonus you get is the P.E. for the two deep wading stacks for the Sherman. There are a few straight folds that the average modeler should be able to handle with a straight edge and single edge razor blade, or one of the miniature folding brakes made for modelers. This is an excellent addition as aside from an aftermarket resin set of deep wading trunks, I don't believe any others are available in 1/72. The original kit gave you a dozen soft plastic US troops (this combo set only gives you six) and there are three beach obstacles. The figures are very well done with separate arms, canteens, weapons and knapsacks but it would be preferred if the same hard plastic as the models had been used.

DML's M4A1 Sherman is one of a new generation of DML Sherman's that are simply the best in 1/72 scale. The difference between this Sherman boxed in this combo set and the M4A1 kit released on its own, is that the small P.E. fret and decals are missing. The P.E. gave you the option to replace the finest plastic details such as light guards and periscope guards with etched brass, and grouser vent screens were provided along with some parts that were just too small for most of us to handle. Since the plastic parts are provided in thinner plastic than any other kits, most of us won't miss the P.E. Those of you who love PE will be disappointed. The decals are another matter. Probably every Sherman that made an amphibious landing had its serial number and stenciled or chalked on shipping information, most likely the white stars and bumper codes. You can scrounge your decal spares box or discover some aftermarket decal mfrs. Bison Decals http://www.angelfire.com/pro/bison/ has decals for M4A1s from the 70th Tank Bn and 741st Tank Bn. (i.e. Aide de Camp), as well as M4s like Cannon Ball, Columbia Lou and more. Aleran also has Sherman decals - Aleran Miniatures,18530 Mack Ave. #424, Detroit, MI 48236 or better hobby shops. Milicast was coming out with decals for LCM(3)s and other landing craft - http://www.milicast.com/aleran/decals.shtml. Your philosophy of what your model building is, will determine whether you have a problem with this kit combo. The problem, dating back to the Airfix kit combo, is that historically, LCM(3) "Mike Boats" didn't carry M4A1 Sherman tanks! The slightly larger LCM(6)s did, as well as LCTs and other craft. The USMC 3rd, 4th and 5th Tank battalions at Iwo Jima used the LCM(3) with M4A2 and M4A3 Shermans, not M4A1s. You could depict that with one of DMLs other Sherman kits and hold on to this M4A1 for something else. According to D-Day Ships, "…the transport of a Sherman aboard a craft of this type was distinctly limited. No more than 7in clearance was left between the flanks of the tank and the sides of the tank hold." I understand the LCM(3) DID land light tanks, including Chaffees during the Rhine crossing. If DML wants a way to modify an existing Sherman and sell them as fast as they can make them, they should consider the DD Sherman. They had a flotation screen all around the hull that was raised and duplex drive propellers that were lowered for them to swim to shore. They were a huge success on D-Day's British beaches but only a nominal success on bloody Omaha. The concept was sound but the failure was when LCTs launched them thousands of yards from the beach in rough seas. If they weren't swamped the Germans had plenty of time to target them. Many of the successful DD's were landed right onto the beaches as the LCT crews took the initiative and braved the withering fire from the German defenders in order to get the desperately needed firepower of the Shermans ashore. If DML really wanted to go for the brass ring, they might consider releasing the DD Sherman with the floating shields/skirt able to be displayed up or down. And even better, release other long neglected landing craft like the LCM(6), LCA, LSI, LST … The LCM(3) has a $24 MSRP by itself as it was originally released. Shermans are about $15 MSRP and Wading Trunks are easily worth $10 so just summing it up, DML gives you a real bargain packaging this combination kit. As far as the 'problem' combining a M4A1 with the LCM(3), as mentioned you could substitute another tank or depict a non-Normandy D-Day scene. Or if you are just a model builder who knows this will look great on your shelf just as DML provided it, then go right ahead and enjoy. DML mentions the infantry men are from the U.S. 29th I.D. and I can't help but think how amazing it would be if they included decals for their unit and rank insignia, including the light blue stripe for ea USN crewman's helmet - and molded the men in hard plastic. And of course, markings for the Sherman should be included. These things would certainly send us reviewers scurrying for even better superlatives of praise for an excellent model combination. As it is, I highly recommend it for the average modeler. My thanks to Dragon USA for the review sample. It is available everywhere DML kits are sold or go to www.dragonmodelsusa.com or call (626)968-0322. Their website shows a 1/72 M4 Sherman with Deep Wading kit to be released in July in Normandy "Cannon Ball" markings. References: · D-Day Ships by Yves Buffetaut · The Rhine Crossings, Osprey · U.S. WWII Amphibious Tactics Med & Eero Theaters #144, Osprey, by G. Rottman · Landing Ship Tank LST 1943-2002 #115, Osprey · D-Day 1944(4) Gold & Juno Beaches Campaign 112, Osprey · Sherman: A History of the American Medium Tank, by R.P. Hunnicutt

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