Kit Preview : 1/76 MMS M4A2 75 Mid Production (kit #001)
About the manufacturer
MMS is the leading 1/76 white metal model brand. The quality of casting and level of detail are comparable to traditional plastic kits, albeit without etched metal detailing. Smaller details such as mirrors are often omitted , and the running gear of tracked vehicles is usually a simplified one piece casting where the guide teeth are backed by a solid metal strengthening strip.
Due to the tight packaging in unprotected plastic bags, parts often come bent or one might say, with pre-built battle damage. Care must be taken to straighten things out lest parts be broken.
About the vehicle
Please refer to the kit instructions hereunder.
About the kit
I have several of these MMS Shermans. Unfortunately I cannot say that they are perfect 1/76 representations. They all share the same basic hull, with rear panel differences and the same cast transmission cover.
The early 60 degree hull tanks have several issues:
- the transmission cover is too short by 2.5 mm causing the ground clearance to be 1.5 mm more than it should. (this is a fault common to all MMS Shermans). The photo compares the MMS lower hull to SHQ transmissions covers (3-piece and sharp-nosed one piece). These are not perfect but far closer to the correct size.
- the transmission cover width is a bit wide. It stands out especially since it tends to be too narrow on other models. It is glaring compared to the Cromwell Jumbo.
- the hull is too wide by 1 mm. It is not much but appears clearly next to the Matchbox Firefly or Airfix M4 (this last one being too narrow)
- the hull is too low by 1.5mm. The top of the transmission cover should be higher than the front fenders, not level. Padding the hull bottom with 1.5mm card or strip will correct this.
- the lip at the bottom of the hull should be removed. The hull itself is smooth. There can be a narrow metal strip with a row of holes for attachments.
- the high bustle 75 mm turret is too long. The bustle needs to have a fraction filed off (you can only remove up to the level of the antenna mount without surgery)
- the track assemblies are too short by 2 to 3mm (depending on the source). This is also common to all MMS Shermans.
- I haven’t measured them but the sprocket wheels look a bit small.
- the armored crew positions stick out too much. The vertical faces extend too far down. This is a hardedge variation. Most photos show more rounded versions.
- the headlight brushguards are missing
- the 4 lifting eyes on the hull are too small and are better replaced with sprue or wire.