Aber 35A 34 information

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Kevthemodeller
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Aber 35A 34 information

Post by Kevthemodeller »

Hi all

Just thought I'd mention this Aber 35A 34 is not for the latest Tamyia M4A3E8 it's not a reflection on the kit it's self although I have had an issue with it, more later.

As you may know from my other posts I'm currently building Tamiya's M4A3E8 Sherman http://www.intscalemodeller.com/viewtop ... 10&t=17439

This Aber 35A 34 kit is listed to fit HVSS Sherman fenders [M4A1 M4A2] (designed to be used with Dragon, Italeri and Tamiya kits). Be aware it's not for the current/later kit 35346 which I think is the only one you can get off the shelf at present, it's really for 25175 an early kit this isn't made plain enough I think. I know at least one is a rebox of another manufacture both could well be.

This is my kit
https://www.scalemates.com/kits/959297- ... easy-eight

This (probably earlier kits) is what the Aber 35A 34 is for.
https://www.scalemates.com/kits/308948- ... easy-eight

So the issue:

The photoetch will fit but the part it replaces is actually part of the hull, removing it leaves the underside above the top track idles open i.e. there's nothing there allowing you to see right into the hull from both sides and out via the hull and turret hatches! The earlier kit 25175 the upper hull has multiple parts with side guards as a separate parts that attach to the upper hull inners, the later 35346 only two parts the side guards form part of the hull once in place. I noticed it after fitting everything and started looking for a part I'd missed. I was annoyed :evil: at myself for not seeing it earlier :doh: :doh:

Here's the upper hull sprue for 25175
http://modelkitsreview.com/tag/25175/#jp-carousel-14436
As you can see there're 3 parts to the upper hull, the two lengths top and bottom form the underside of the hull above the tracks.

This is the sprue that holds the side guards these are at the bottom.
http://modelkitsreview.com/tag/25175/#jp-carousel-14439

This is the upper hull for 35346
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mVDg10Q-99o/ ... G_8109.JPG

This is the sprue for 35346 containing the side guards, they are the long pieces top and bottom you can see they form the upper inner hull above the tracks and the side guards.
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ckLEqKtSfDA/ ... G_8104.JPG

Being so annoyed I removed it all almost immediately, I didn't take pictures..... sorry. This was my first experience of photoetch and I'd spent some hours cutting,bending and glueing. The kit is good, that said areas of the bending seams had lengths of missed scoring which doesn't make for easy bending. I'm using the Tamiya parts now all be it with the photoetch supports which does look good, I could fabricate something but this being my first build for many a year I don't really want to get into serious mods as yet.

Lesson learned, more research required but I think Aber should keep up and state what fit what. Anyway I've rescued things and you wouldn't know unless I said something lets hope the other Aber kit 350 32 and barrel bits fit!!!
Kev

On the bench:
Border Model FOCKE-WULF W190A-8 R2 - 8
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Nige1940
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Re: Aber 35A 34 information

Post by Nige1940 »

Hi Kev I think the problem you have had is that this set is that it is designed for older kits . Tamiya 25175 is actually an Asuka Models (Ex-Tasca) kit re boxed .which is one of the finest Sherman kits currently available it does indeed include separate sponson fillers its a silly short cut by Tamiya including them onto the fenders :wall: . Your kit is a new Tamiya moulding and is again superb I do not believe its a re-box but no doubt there will be an etched set for it if not already.
The Etch you are using would suit a Tamiya Easy eight from the 70's and other earlier kits these would require a sponson filler to be made out of plastic card (lack of sponson fillers was a universal bug bear of these earlier kits) . Aber has a huge catalogue of etched sets and tends to keep all sets available ,it can get quite confusing . Don't let it put you off mate Aber etch is some of the best currently available and you'll get more confident as you go along , in no time you'll be soldering it too ! :D
if you ever have any etch questions please just drop me a line I use it all the time ...like on a daily basis .
Good luck mate ! Nige.
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Kevthemodeller
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Re: Aber 35A 34 information

Post by Kevthemodeller »

Thanks for the offer of help Nige, once I get back on the bench I'll take you up on it :th:
Kev

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Border Model FOCKE-WULF W190A-8 R2 - 8
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Nige1940
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Re: Aber 35A 34 information

Post by Nige1940 »

Kevthemodeller wrote:Thanks for the offer of help Nige, once I get back on the bench I'll take you up on it :th:
Anything,Anytime mate ! just drop me a line I think I gave you my email addy too ?
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