What You Get in the Tamiya 1/35 Sherman Easy Eight Kit

The Tamiya 1/35 U.S. Medium Tank M4A3E8 Sherman "Easy Eight" European Theater (product ID 590344) is a plastic model assembly kit at 1/35 scale. It represents the late-war variant with the 76mm main gun, Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS), and wider tracks that gave the tank its nickname. The kit includes slide-molded parts for the cast turret and welded hull panels, belt-type T66 tracks, clear parts for headlight lenses and cupola vision blocks, plus detailed engine grille and tool parts.

Kit Specifications at a Glance

Step-by-Step Assembly Sequence

Follow the kit's instruction sheet order for best results. The steps below are based on typical Tamiya 1/35 tank kit logic and the specific features of this model.

  1. 1. Prepare the lower hull and suspension: Assemble the HVSS units and attach them to the lower hull. The kit's HVSS parts are engineered for a snug fit; test-fit before gluing. Use plastic cement for a strong bond.
  2. 2. Build the upper hull and turret: Glue the welded hull panels and cast turret halves. The slide molding creates realistic texture, so avoid sanding the outer surfaces. Clean up seam lines carefully with a sharp blade.
  3. 3. Attach the 76mm main gun and turret details: The 76mm gun barrel is a single part; no seam filling is needed. Add the clear cupola vision blocks and headlight lenses after painting the interior surfaces.
  4. 4. Install the belt tracks: The T66 tracks are flexible belt parts. Wrap them around the drive sprockets and return rollers, then glue the ends together. Ensure the track sag looks natural.
  5. 5. Add the small parts and final assembly: Attach the engine grille, rear deflector, and tool parts. These add realism and are best painted separately before final glue-up.

Painting and Finishing Advice

The kit's molded textures (cast turret, welded hull, engine grille) are excellent for drybrushing and washes. Use a base coat of olive drab or U.S. Army green, then apply a dark brown wash to bring out the cast texture. The clear parts should be masked or painted from the inside for a realistic look. The belt tracks can be painted with a mix of dark grey and rust tones, then drybrushed with silver for wear.