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In-Box Review
148
Tamiya Firefly IC Update Set
British Sherman IC
  • 6-12-2008_8_47_35_AM

by: UncaBret [ UNCABRET ]

Introduction
The Tamiya Sherman Firefly IC is a nice kit. It goes together with very few problems and is fairly well detailed. But there is usually room for improvement in most off the shelf kits. Aber has provided just the set to address this issue.

Review
The set consists of one fret of photo-etched parts and a 5" piece of small (0.03 mm) wire for handles. You will need some smaller (0.02 mm) to make springs. Included in the set are 4 complete periscopes, front fenders, track stowage racks, side skirt mounting strips, screens and tool mounts (just to name a few). Some of the parts seem to be a bit over-engineered though. For example, the front light guards are three pieces each when they could just as easily been one piece.

The instruction sheet is fairly clear and easy to follow, with the possible exception of the periscope mounting. There is no real information on removing the molded in periscopes, apparently it is just assumed that you know how to do it. I had some trouble reading the numbers on the fret, but that is probably due to the fact that my eyes are not what they used to be. The package also thoughtfully includes instructions on stretching sprue(STB), rolling (ROL), bending(BEN), making press lines(PRS), etc.

Conclusion
My overall impression is that this set would make a good model into an excellent model.
SUMMARY
Highs: Very nicely detailed.
Lows: Some of the part numbers can be a bit hard to read. Instructions lacking in a few spots.
Verdict: A very nice set, incredible detail, certainly worth the money
Percentage Rating
90%
  Scale: 1:48
  Mfg. ID: 48 038
  Suggested Retail: $17.95
  PUBLISHED: Jun 26, 2008
  NATIONALITY: United Kingdom
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 90.33%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.73%

Our Thanks to Aber!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About UncaBret (UncaBret)
FROM: ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES

Copyright ©2021 text by UncaBret [ UNCABRET ]. All rights reserved.



   
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  • 6-12-2008_8_47_35_AM
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