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	Extratech M4 (75 mm Early) Sherman Kit # EXM 72035

Extratech M4 (75 mm Early)

This recently introduced kit from Extratech fills another huge gap in 1/72nd scale modeling along with the offerings from Eduard.

There has never been a 1/72nd scale M4 released in plastic. Until now the only way to get this kit was in resin.

This kit is simply outstanding. The overall quality of the molding is very good with only a few areas where the detail is a little soft.


	This kit, along with the new offerings from Eduard, share 2 sprues with the other kits from Extratech. They are the ones that contain the suspension and the track. Other parts on the sprue which contains the hull are also shared. This leaves a huge quantity of extra detail parts for future use. Markings are included for 4 versions along with a nicely done set of photo-etched parts.

The same general comments apply to this and all other Extratech / Eduard kits.

I have heard many complaints about the boggie assemblies being too “fiddly” and replacing them with ones from Esci kits. When constructing the Extratech M4A3E2 I found that my only complaint with them was that the return skids were out of scale and I replaced them with ones I fashioned out of brass sheet. I have since seen another modeler simply drill out the offending material under the skids and leave it at that. Either option is fine or just leave them as they are. In my opinion the little “extra” work required on the bogies is well worth it and results in a much better looking assembly than any others previously produced.

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The early low bustle turret included in this kit is very well done. From what I can tell so far its shape and proportions appear to be correct. This 75 mm turret is the early version with only the commanders split hatch and no loaders hatch. You have the option to leave the hatch closed or open and the shell ejection port is molded as a separate part so if the version you are building didn’t need it, you don’t have to fill the hole! The only thing I don’t care for is the .50 mg. It appears to be too long to me but can be easily replaced .

Overall I feel that this kit is an excellent kit and well worth the money. With all the other kits being produced by Eduard and Extratech now this widens our horizons and I can see a lot more variations being constructed with a little mixing of parts. I highly recommend this and all other Eduard and Extratech kits.


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