BY BILL ENGAR

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SINCERE TANKS:  ATLANTIS A317 -- WWII M4 SHERMAN TANK --  PLASTIC ASSEMBLY KIT WITH 106 PARTS MOLDED IN OLIVE DRAB GREEN STYRENE PLASTIC PLUS BLACK SOFT PLASTIC TREADS -- MODEL GLUE REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY, NOT INCLUDED -- RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 14 AND UP -- COMPLETED MODEL 5.5" IN LENGTH -- MSRP ONLY $US21.99 (2026)

Atlantis Models has re-released their 1/48 M4A3E8 ("M4" Sherman Tank kit.  This model was previously part of their now-discontinued Air-Land-Sea kit released in 2021.  Atlantis has brought back this very nice 1/48 tank model kit by itself.  This model is perfect for a builder who has never tried a tank before.  Back in the day, Aurora's armor kits were known for their accuracy and detailing.  At a low cost today, these models are a great value for anyone desiring an easygoing armor build.  This kit is perfect for practicing or developing your armor  weathering skills.

Atlantis' M4 Sherman tank model kit uses original box art by Aurora Models legend John Steel.

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The Sherman Tank is high on the list of key weapons considered instrumental with winning WWII.  Atlantis’ version is the M4A3E8.  The sharp edges indicate the hull of this version was made from welded plates, not a casting like the turret.

The kit contains 106 parts molded in olive-drab green plastic plus a pair of soft vinyl plastic tracks.

Aurora’s 1/48 Sherman tank kit was first tooled in 1968 (yes, it’s been well over 50 years!).  After the 1970's, 1/48-scale armor fell out of favor and these and a number of other 1/48 armor kits were discontinued.  Well, in the 2000's, 1/48-scale became popular for armor.  It's really "right-sized" between popular 1/35 and 1/72-scales.  The parts in a 1/48 armor kit aren't so tiny you need a magnifying glass to handle them as is common on some 1/72 armor kits nowadays.

The hull has a rough "casting" texture to it.

The hull detail on Atlantis' 1/48 M4A3E8 Sherman Tank is very nicely done.  We like the sharp detailing on that engine cover!

Of course 1/48 is a popular scale for model aircraft and Atlantis'  Sherman tank could be displayed with a wwII aircraft model in a diorama.  The Sherman kit comes with four nice military figures.

Diorama modelers take note:  The kit includes four figures in poses that'd be great on a 1/48-scale diorama.

An oblique view of the top deck of that welded Sherman hull.​

We know diorama model-builders who sometimes buy an armor kit not for the vehicle, but for the figures.  These have decent detail and are well-posed.  

Kit decals include WWII-Era US Army markings.

The back of the box has a pretty nice build-up photo of the model.