Tamiya 35139 - 1:35 US Tank M4A3E2 Jumbo

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the American M4A3E2 Jumbo assault tank

Tamiya 35139 is a model kit for self-assembly depicting the M4A3E2 Jumbo — a Sherman rebuilt with one job in mind: leading the armoured column and breaking through German fortified positions. Its greatly thickened armour and massive, distinctive turret set it apart from standard Shermans at first glance.

The kit was released in 1987 and is based on the new M4A3 tooling from 1981. The model represents the version armed with the 75 mm gun. The vinyl band tracks come with duck bill extended end connectors, used on the Jumbo to reduce ground pressure, while spare road wheels and stowage boxes help recreate the typical look of a vehicle from the campaign in Western Europe.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the hull, turret and equipment
• Vinyl band tracks with duck bill extensions
• Spare road wheels and stowage boxes
• Two figures: a full commander figure and a driver torso
• Decal sheet with four marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35139
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 167 mm
• Skill level: beginner

Please note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

Assembly is simple and clearly laid out — the hull is made up of a few large parts and the vinyl band tracks let you finish the running gear quickly. It is worth fitting the duck bill extensions carefully and arranging the spare wheels and stowage boxes naturally, since these are what give the vehicle the character of a fighting machine of 1944.

For painting we suggest American Olive Drab (e.g. Tamiya XF-62); the instructions give paint codes for all four options. Chipping along the armour edges and mud on the running gear look particularly effective — washes and pigments will help here. Military vehicle models are usually finished with a matt varnish.

Tools you will need:

• Model sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes in a range of sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out details and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – M4A3E2 Jumbo:

The fighting in Normandy showed that the standard Sherman was too thinly armoured to lead an attack on prepared defensive positions safely. The answer was the M4A3E2 — an assault tank with dramatically increased protection: 101 mm on the hull front, 152 mm on the turret and as much as 178 mm on the gun mantlet. These were figures comparable with the heavy tanks of the period.

The price was extra weight and reduced mobility, partly offset by the extended end connectors that lowered ground pressure. The powerplant remained unchanged — a 500 hp Ford GAA V8 — and the crew numbered five. Most vehicles carried the 75 mm gun, although some were rearmed in the field.

Only 254 were built, all between May and July 1944. Jumbos went to the leading elements of US armored divisions, where they rode at the head of the column and took the first shots. Rare as they were, they earned an exceptional reputation among their crews.

Original vehicle specifications (M4A3E2 Jumbo):

• Length: approx. 5.84 m
• Crew: 5
• Main armament: 75 mm gun
• Armour: hull front 101 mm, turret 152 mm, gun mantlet 178 mm
• Powerplant: Ford GAA V8, 500 hp
• Production: May–July 1944, only 254 built
• Role: breaking through fortifications, leading armoured columns

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company initially traded in timber and produced wooden models, and in 1960 it launched its first plastic model kit. Two years later came the 1:35 scale tank that set the worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for precise injection moulds and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. Tamiya instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the painting diagrams provide specific paint codes. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, comprises hundreds of items covering vehicles, artillery and figures from across the twentieth century. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the industry.