I've been working on my Asuka Jumbo Sherman (35-021) M4A3E2 and there's a very serious problem that I'm having. In step 8 where you start combing the lower hull, upper hull and the differential (transmission) subassemblies together the differential (transmission) assembly is not aligning correctly. There's a gap between the front upper hull and where the differential suppose to come together. I am hoping that someone else may have encountered this problem if they've built this kit. I have gone back over and there's nothing I have missed. I am at a complete loss and I hope I have explained this and you can understand what the problem is that I'm having. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Not familiar with Tasca/Asuka Shermans, but is there a bolted strip supposed to be between glacis and transmission cover? Maybe it's this that covers the gap.

Yeah, unfortunately that's on there. I'm telling you, I am at a complete loss on this one. I have no clue whatsoever. But I certainly appreciate you replying back.

This builder had a problem with the extra armor plate for the Tasca M4A3E2 fitting over the front hull; I wonder if that is your issue:

http://armorama.com/forums/180369&page=1

"The only fit problem so far was the front armor plate. It’s hollow on the back side so it will go over the headlight mounts on the front hull. It didn’t sit flat, so I filed away the mounts so it will sit flat. "

Mine had a gap, too, but it wasn't huge. Just when I was considering how to fill it, I dry fit the applique armor and it covered the problem.

Hey Tony,

I've built 3 of them and if I remember correctly I had issues with the bolt strip on the bottom of the hull. The tranny housing slides into it and if not careful it won't align with the upper hull. Maybe???

Can you post a picture of the problem? I built the Jumbo and I don't recall a fit issue that you've described.

I thought Tasca/Asuka Shermans were the epitome of Sherman kits. I built a few Dragon Shermans and never had such fit problems.

Without seeing pictures, my guess would be your not getting the transmission assembly far enough back on the lower hull. This maybe due to incorrect alignment of the small bolt strips on the bottom.

Tasca/Asuka Shermans are all I build now and have never had such a problem.

Hm. I'll be watching this thread as I have a Jumbo in my stash that I've been itching to build but haven't had the time or motivation to start yet.

Don't have a photobucket so cant post. Hell, I still have a flip phone. Looked at underside and my original guess is still good and it matches what bigjohn thinks as well. One other quick note on kit...if you leave loader's hatch open, the locking mechanism and pad are reversed on kit. Flip em around.

Jeff

Yes, I will post some pictures of what I have. Actually, I thought about that last night that I should have done that. Stay tune guys and thanks for all the replies so far.

I am not sure where the problem you were having was.I had a problem aligning the back of the transmission housing to the main hull on the bottom.I was advised by a friend not to use part J13 to the bottom hull plate.