Tiger Model Designs
353017

While this split hatch is advertised as a replacement for kit parts on DML and Tamiya Shermans, I found it also fits Italeri's turret, if a little snugly. You need to remove a tab on the inner circumference of the Tamiya turret for it to accept the replacement piece.

The hatch ring, which rotated on the turret by means of ball bearings, has been given some subtle texturing on the outside and a nice mount with a locking handle for the .50 MG. The detailing on the inside of the ring wall is impressive, presenting a locking lever and what appears to be padding to provide some minimal comfort for the commander.

The two half-moon hatches also are nicely defined, including clips that kept the hatches in the open position. Be careful when trimming these pieces from the carrier: the half with the periscope has the lower lip, while the other half has the upper lip, which closed over its counterpart. You'll need to provide the grab handles.

Finishing off the set is a carrier with periscopes and fittings from TMD 353018. You can have the periscope positioned in or out of the hatch.

Clean up is minimal on this set. The ring is molded with a thin plug across the bottom of the opening, which you need to carefully remove, preferably with a saw. The periscope pieces and fragile brush guard require some caution as well.

There are no instructions provided. They would be helpful, especially if you have no references (Squadron's M4 Sherman Walk Around would be beneficial). But you might be able to work your way around this simple set if you pay close attention to the layout of the source kit's parts.