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US Periscopes for WWII Armor

Fine Molds

 

S u m m a r y
Stock Number, Contents and Price: Set No. MG-24; WWII US Periscope Set 1 for M3, M4, M5, M18, M24, M26, and M36 Vehicles: 21 parts in clear styrene; price around $9.00
Scale: 1/35
Review Type: First Look
Advantages: Crystal clear and very nicely detailed parts make the model
Disadvantages: Installation and painting require a good deal of care to avoid damaging the parts; expensive
Recommendation: Highly Recommended for all modelers of US built armored vehicles in Korea, WWII, and beyond

 

Reviewed by Cookie Sewell

 

F i r s t   L o o k


Fine Molds of Japan has been successfully marketing what the British call "Bits" for some time, as well as a number of kits of Japanese armored vehicles. One of their newer releases are these items for US armored vehicles.

Many modelers get frustrated when they want to depict the periscopes and sights found on many US vehicles, as the parts provided in kits tend to be solid plastic if provided at all. Depending upon the modeler and skill level, the alternative is either paint or some sort of gloss coat, or drilling out the part and replacing it with plexiglass. However, detailing the latter is a pain, as styrene and plexiglass do not like adhering to each other, and using ACC glues can craze the plexiglass.

As a result, and following their German periscope sets, Fine Molds is now releasing US periscopes. The set consists of three identical sprues of five different parts that form a total of two different types of periscopes: No. 1 which is the standard US M6 semi-fixed viewer and hatch periscope; No. 2 which is the M10 gunner's periscopic sight; No. 3 and No. 4 which are cemented together for form the M6 driver's hatch periscope in the M4 Sherman; and No 5 which is not listed in the directions. The kit provides for three M4 periscopes, six regular M6 periscopes, and six M6 periscopes as installed in the M4 series tank bow hatches.

Overall, this will be one of those really nice touches for a great Sherman model, and by using care in painting and installation should give some life to the periscopes.

Thanks to Bill Miley of Chesapeake Model Designs (who is carrying these items) for the review sample.

Cookie Sewell AMPS

Review Copyright © 2000 by Cookie Sewell
Page Created 19 June, 2000
Last updated 22 July, 2003

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