Part 1: First Look

MSRP: $39.95 Following close on the heels of the release of the M2/M2A1 comes this kit of the M4 Mortar carrier. The M4 was based on the M2 vehicle and the M4A1 was based on the M2A1. Both the M4/M4A1 retained the machine gun skate from the M2. The box cover features an Artist rendering of an M4 with the back door open on an unknown track of open terrain. The box sides are covered with the neat stuff inside and drawings of the three vehicles that can be made from the decals provided. Inside the box you find 13 sprues of light gray styrene. Eleven of these are used for assembly of the vehicle; one is used for the driver, and one for the mortar. Also included in the box are one small clear styrene sprue, a very small etched brass set, two metal tubes that comprise the mortar, two bags of sprockets and idlers, a nice decal sheet, and a 16 step eight page pullout instruction booklet. Dragon states that this is an M4. There is some truth to that. I'm not trying to bash Dragon models. This is a really nice kit. You have to study what vehicle you are trying to portray. Built to the instructions, you can almost build a late model M4. Most M4's were built without the spring mounted idler arm. You will need to correct this. Dragon also includes the 112 round compliment which was only available on early model M4's. Later model M4's only carried 96 rounds. That is nothing more than not mounting the two eight round holders in the rear. Also, Early M4's did not have the Fuel can holders on the left and right front. This would require more modifications. To make this into an M4A1, all Dragon had to include in this kit was the extra front grills from the M2/M2A1, the storage bins that were added to the rear corners, and the re-adjusted bipod leg mounts. I am planning on doing this as a 2nd Armored Division M4A1. They altered the inside of the carrier and repositioned the mortar to be able to fire forward. The fact that they are M4A1's will require some scratch building in the rear section. Basically, the two rear boxes and extended stand. The unused eight round boxes might just be the ticket for this fix. We'll see as the build progresses. Some noticeable issues I have already found. The machinegun sprues are beautiful. The only problem is that Dragon failed to include charging handles on the sides of the machineguns. The other fault is that they have not changed the tires. The kit still comes with the flattened and slightly bulged tire. The decals allow you to build at least three vehicles and include a LARGE selection of stars that will be sent to your spares box. I would like to thank Dragon Models and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to build what appears to be a great kit of a little known vehicle. See also Mark's review of the Archer Fine Transfers M4A1 81MMC Markings Set.

Information, images, and all other items placed electronically on this site are the intellectual property of IPMS/USA ®.