Tamiya 35346 – 1/35 U.S Medium Tank M4A3E8 Sherman “Easy Eight” European Theater

The Tamiya 35346 U.S Medium Tank M4A3E8 Sherman “Easy Eight” – European Theater is a 1/35 scale plastic model kit that accurately represents the late-war variant of the iconic Sherman tank. The M4A3E8, nicknamed “Easy Eight,” featured significant upgrades over earlier models, including a 76mm gun, Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS), and wider tracks, enhancing its performance in the European Theater during World War II.​

Kit Features

1. Scale & Dimensions: 1/35 scale; length: 214mm, width: 86mm.​
2. Detailed Exterior: The kit captures the tank’s form with precision, including the subtly curved turret surfaces, flat welded hull panels, and HVSS.​
3. Slide-Molded Parts: These parts artfully depict the surface textures of the cast turret and welded upper hull panels.
4. Tracks: Features wide, single-pin T66 tracks represented using belt-type parts for ease of assembly.
5. Engine Grille & Tools: Includes finely molded parts for the engine grille, rear-installed deflector, and various tools, showcasing stunning realism.
6. Clear Parts: Provides clear parts to recreate headlight lenses and cupola vision blocks.​
7. Commander Figure: Comes with a commander torso figure designed for installation in the cupola.
8. Marking Options: Offers decals to recreate tanks from two units in the European Theater at the end of WWII.​

Historical Context

The M4A3E8 Sherman “Easy Eight” was introduced in late 1944, featuring improvements such as the HVSS for a smoother ride and a more powerful 76mm gun. These enhancements made it more effective against German armor. The Easy Eight saw action in the Battle of the Bulge and subsequent operations across Europe, contributing significantly to the Allied victory.​

This Tamiya kit provides modelers with a highly detailed and historically accurate representation of the M4A3E8 Sherman “Easy Eight,” making it a valuable addition to any World War II model collection.