Tiger Model Design
353016

This is an early M4 Hull hatch set designed for the DML series. It is cast in Tiger Models' usual gray resin with absolutely no air bubbles. However, I did note that one of the hatch hinges had broken off but was not in the packaging.

The packaging is TMD’s usual cardboard header with a Ziploc bag. Inside, one finds five resin runners with both hatches on one, two springs on there own sprue, plus two identical sprues with the periscopes and guard. This last sprue is the same one sold separately (six in a pack) as TMD 353018.

The details added to the hatches are outstanding! Inside there is a new pad as well as a damper arm, along with other small details. The exterior has new springs and a padlock hasp.

The M6 periscope sprue has parts for an empty holder to be added to the hatch interior, or one can use the holder with the periscope in place. A separate M6 periscope is included and can be used for internal stowage. On the outside of the hatch, one can choose either an open or closed periscope hatch. Special attention was given to the wire guard which is one piece.

Care is needed to remove the pieces. A light hand with a scalpel was all I used. After a few swipes, the parts came free. Clean up was then performed. Only a little flash is present. The resin responded well to files, cutting, and sanding.

The fit to Dragon’s M4A1 and M4A4 hull is very good.

As for accuracy, the details matched photos in books and some of actual hatches lent to me by Kurt Laughlin. He also provided some engineering drawings which the items matched close enough. There are no other casting marks other than a D.

Note that this is a later hatch with the external spring. If the vehicle depicted is an earlier one without the springs, remember to remove the mounts from both the hull hatches and the upper hull.

About the only downside is that there are no instructions given so modelers need to use references to ensure that they get the periscope facing the right way (as molded, they should only face forward), when to remove the springs, color of the hatch padding, etcetera. Last, the wire periscope guards are a little thick but understandably, any thinner and they would probably crumble during removal.

As it is, this hatch set is an excellent addition without resorting to fiddly photo-etched parts. Thanks to TMD for the review sample.