The Modelling News: Preview: Two more American classics from I love Kit in December

There are two more U.S. Army legends from the past & present in I Love Kit's two releases due for December. We look at the art, sprue shots, colours, marking choices and other information we have on them in our preview...

Preview: Two more American classics from I love Kit in December...

M4A3E8 Medium Tank WWII w/T66 Tracks

Model：61615

1/16th scale

Price: $124USD from Hobbylink Japan

M4A3E8 is the last type of Sherman, which can be said to be an outstanding work at that time. The balance of various abilities is very good. Its balance in firepower, armor and mobility can be compared with the T-34 / 85 of Russia and the leopard of Germany in the same period.

Markings included in this kit

The M4A3E8 uses a new type of HVSS (a distinctive feature that distinguishes it from ordinary Sherman) suspension system (horizontal suspension system). Therefore, M4A3E8 is also known as M4A3 (76W) HVSs. The weight of M4A3E8 makes the original VVSS suspension device (vertical suspension system) overwhelmed, but the new HVSS can reduce the shaking of c, which is heavier due to the increase of armor and the improvement of artillery, while the widened track reduces the pressure on the ground. This smooth and smooth walking system also makes it win the nickname of "easy eight" in the mouth of American soldiers.

The decals in the kit.

In addition to the difference of suspension system, M4A3E8 also strengthens the defense and manufacturing productivity, and E8 adopts ammunition "water jacket" to reduce the risk of inducing explosion in ammunition depot. The M4A3E8 is equipped with a 76.2mm gun. In order to resist the recoil force of the 76mm gun, the U.S. military has also installed a new brake. The main gun of M4A3E8 is 76 mm and 54.5 times the diameter. When using high-speed armor piercing projectile, it can pierce the vertical armor of more than 110 mm at 2200 meters.

The sprues of the kit

The front armor of m4a3e8 is integrated and has high defense. Its armor is 107 mm thick and has a certain angle. After the above modification, the total weight of E8 is more than 30 tons, but the speed still reaches 45 kilometers per hour. This model kit from I Love Kit is equipped with the T66 single-pin type crawler belt that was mainly used during the war. The T66 crawler track can be assembled and moved; the buffer rubbers of the roller is made of soft resin. Photo-etched parts, a metal gun barrel, and decals for five versions are included.

Photo-etch fretch

Separate plastic track links

Metal main gun barrel

Metal pins for tracks, brass cable & springs

Clear sprue for periscopes & lights

M1278A1 Heavy Gun Carrier Modification With M153 CROWS

Model：63537

1/35th scale

Price: $52 USD from hobbylink Japan

The JLTV or Joint Light Tactical Vehicle was a new US military programme, initiated to partially replace the fleet of ageing HMMWV utility vehicles. The new vehicle is intended for the US Army, Marine Corps and Special Forces.

Markings included in this kit

M1278 is a heavy guns carrier. It is a baseline, 4-door general-purpose version of the JLTV family. It has a shielded M2 heavy machine gun station on the roof. Alternatively, it can be fitted with various remotely controlled weapon stations, armed with the M2 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, or even lightweight 30 mm chain gun.

The decals in the kit.

M1279 is an utility version. It is a 2-door pickup with a cargo area at the rear. It can carry various supplies and cargo. M1281 is a close combat weapons carrier. The cab is integrally slide-molded, and the details such as the engine and suspension are carefully reproduced; soft resin tires and photo-etched parts are included.

The sprues of the kit