Sherman M4A3

Sherman M4A3, a COBI brick kit

This is a clip-together brick kit from the Polish maker COBI, that is a model assembled from joined bricks rather than a plastic model. The hull, the turret and the running gear are created by assembling shaped parts, while fine elements such as the markings and instrument details are handled by printing on the parts. The finished model is therefore complete right after assembly.

The real subject

The M4A3 is one of the production versions of the American M4 Sherman medium tank. It differs from the other versions in its powerplant: instead of a radial aircraft engine it received a gasoline V8 that fitted well into the engine compartment and ran smoothly. The hull was welded, the turret cast, and the tank was one of the most widespread types of its category. In the later batches the type also received a more substantial suspension and wider tracks that improved its cross-country performance.

Assembly and display

Work through the steps of the instructions and push the joints fully home; a part that is not pushed home shows up only later, when the following assembly will not seat onto it. With printed parts watch the orientation of the print. Assemble the tracks and the running gear calmly, so that the wheels sit in one plane, as every deviation shows on the finished model. The assembled tank is sturdy, will take being picked up and carried and will stand in a cabinet without support.

Who the kit is for

• For collectors of armored vehicle models who want the model finished right after assembly
• For anyone interested in brick kits in the COBI military equipment range
• For anyone who would rather build by clipping parts together than with classic modeling technique
• As a gift with a collector appeal

The kit is supplied unassembled. Once assembled, the model is finished and ready to be displayed.