DML 1/35 M6A1 Heavy Tank Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

As the clouds of war approached, the US Army awarded the Baldwin Locomotive Company to produce a heavy tank in 1940. Three versions were developed for evaluation, but all were soon deemed obsolete when combat experience in Europe proved that the heavy tank design was flawed. It wasn't until later that the Soviets would field a proper heavy tank to provide cat-hunting capabilities (Panthers and Tigers) late in the war.

DML has released the M6A1 (T1E3) in 1/35 scale in their still-new Black Label series. This kit looks like an interesting combination of a super-sized M4 Sherman mounted atop a variation of the Mk.IV chassis. The turret looks like a predecessor to the M26 Pershing that would later follow.

The kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on 12 parts trees plus two sets of vinyl track runs molded in tan (duplicate parts trees not shown). No photo-etched parts included in this release. Among the features and options in this kit:

• Detailed chassis and suspension
• Most of that detail will be obscured by the side skirts
• Detailed main gun with nice breech detailing
• Positionable crew hatches

Given that the number of small parts has been kept to a relative minimum (this was a prototype and not operational tank, so the exteriors were still somewhat bare) and no photo-etched parts are needed, this project will be a relatively easy build. The only downside was discovered by Cookie Sewell as the track is too wide, but otherwise DML got this one right. This is another nice release from DML which will provide a distinctive subject for your shelf.

Thanks to DML for this review sample.