upcoming DD093 Sherman... (1 Viewer)

[binder001]

As the resident "Shermanoholic" I thought I might offer a few comments on the "Classic Sherman" coming in May.

Andy and the crew have done a fine job of producing an early M4A1 medium tank with 75mm gun. This tank has a number of early features that make for some interesting possibilities. The hull represents the cast upper hull that was unique to the M4A1 model - in fact the cast hull was the original preference for the US Army but foundry capacity limited the numbers that could be produced so most Shermans had welded upper hulls. The DD93 lacks the later applique armor - the "patches" added to early tanks to reinforce protection over the ammo racks. The tank has the earlier suspension - notice that the track return roller is placed right above the suspension unit instead of trailing the suspension bogie. This feature was inherited from the earlier M3 "Lee" medium tanks. What Andy has done is to give us a nice model of a medium tank that is adaptable for use from Tunisia to Nuremburg. The USMC also used a batch of M4A1s with similar features at Cape Gloucester (they were borrowed from the Army) and similar tanks saw action on New Guinea. The tank also has the early narrow gun shield - something that hasn't appeared on a K&C tank before.

This tank is VERY appropriate for the US Army in Tunisia and Sicily. Except from the cast transmission cover it also fills the bill for a British Eigth Army Sherman - so the repainters among us can stay busy (or Andy can release several versions of this tank!). As these earlier tanks wore out, many were placed in depots. After the large medium tank losses in the Battle of the Bulge most new tanks were going to the ETO and Italy was left short. Some of these tanks were hauled out, refurbished and placed back into service so one can see the early tanks in 1945 photos of Seventh Army units in Germany as well as in northern Italy. There is an interesting photo of one that was knocked out in the middle of the Nuremburg Sport palace.

The idea of changeable stowage is GREAT! A really nice innovation.

This tank is actually a bit early for the 1944 campaign in Normandy. Most of the tanks that came ashore in France had been through upgrade programs or were later production tanks, but for 80% of the collectors/displayers this won't matter as the M4A1 WAS present in considerable numbers.

The overall model is a nice M4A1 medium tank of a type that served through most of the US involvement in WW2 in various theaters and with various commands. Again, there are a LOT of repaint opportunities for this little guy.

Kudos to Andy and his team.

Gary B.
(no I don't get a free M4A1 for saying nice things about the model, but I sure WISH I did!

 

[redhugh]

As the resident "Shermanoholic" I thought I might offer a few comments on the "Classic Sherman" coming in May.


The overall model is a nice M4A1 medium tank of a type that served through most of the US involvement in WW2 in various theaters and with various commands. Again, there are a LOT of repaint opportunities for this little guy.

Kudos to Andy and his team.

Gary B.
(no I don't get a free M4A1 for saying nice things about the model, but I sure WISH I did!

Hi Gary
Do you know if this model shipped in the lend lease programme to Russia? Have been looking for pictures of lend lease vehicles to russia but haven't come across many.

 

[Rob]

Thanks for that Gary.Always good to get some background on the item.So with this Sherman and the Big Red one figures both D Day and NA fans should be very happy.I agree with you about the removable stowage for the Sherman,this is a great idea.This Tank looks really good and i want at least two.

Rob

 

[jazzeum]

Hopefully, we have a desert Sherman with British markings in our future

 

[binder001]

Hi Gary Do you know if this model shipped in the lend lease programme to Russia? Have been looking for pictures of lend lease vehicles to russia but haven't come across many.

No M4A1s were Lend-Leased to the USSR - they preferred diesel-powered tanks when available so they received M4A2 types in several sub-variants. The M4A2 was powred by twin 6-cyl. GM Model 6-71 diesel engines. All M4A2s had entirely welded hulls.

Gary

 

[redhugh]

No M4A1s were Lend-Leased to the USSR - they preferred diesel-powered tanks when available so they received M4A2 types in several sub-variants. The M4A2 was powred by twin 6-cyl. GM Model 6-71 diesel engines. All M4A2s had entirely welded hulls.

Gary

thanks Gary

 

[redhugh]

No M4A1s were Lend-Leased to the USSR - they preferred diesel-powered tanks when available so they received M4A2 types in several sub-variants. The M4A2 was powred by twin 6-cyl. GM Model 6-71 diesel engines. All M4A2s had entirely welded hulls.

Gary

Found the following photo's of the Red Army M4A2

 

[OldCelt]

As a card carrying member of the SAA (Shermanaholics Anonomous of America). I would like to add my 2cents to the mix.
YAHOOO!!
Thank you!

 

[Gustavflyer]

The Sherm is a nice model, it will make a nice target

 

[OzDigger]

The Sherm is a nice model, it will make a nice target

And so it begins - again

 

[desk11desk12]

As the resident "Shermanoholic" I thought I might offer a few comments on the "Classic Sherman" coming in May.

Andy and the crew have done a fine job of producing an early M4A1 medium tank with 75mm gun. This tank has a number of early features that make for some interesting possibilities. The hull represents the cast upper hull that was unique to the M4A1 model - in fact the cast hull was the original preference for the US Army but foundry capacity limited the numbers that could be produced so most Shermans had welded upper hulls. The DD93 lacks the later applique armor - the "patches" added to early tanks to reinforce protection over the ammo racks. The tank has the earlier suspension - notice that the track return roller is placed right above the suspension unit instead of trailing the suspension bogie. This feature was inherited from the earlier M3 "Lee" medium tanks. What Andy has done is to give us a nice model of a medium tank that is adaptable for use from Tunisia to Nuremburg. The USMC also used a batch of M4A1s with similar features at Cape Gloucester (they were borrowed from the Army) and similar tanks saw action on New Guinea. The tank also has the early narrow gun shield - something that hasn't appeared on a K&C tank before.

This tank is VERY appropriate for the US Army in Tunisia and Sicily. Except from the cast transmission cover it also fills the bill for a British Eigth Army Sherman - so the repainters among us can stay busy (or Andy can release several versions of this tank!). As these earlier tanks wore out, many were placed in depots. After the large medium tank losses in the Battle of the Bulge most new tanks were going to the ETO and Italy was left short. Some of these tanks were hauled out, refurbished and placed back into service so one can see the early tanks in 1945 photos of Seventh Army units in Germany as well as in northern Italy. There is an interesting photo of one that was knocked out in the middle of the Nuremburg Sport palace.

The idea of changeable stowage is GREAT! A really nice innovation.

This tank is actually a bit early for the 1944 campaign in Normandy. Most of the tanks that came ashore in France had been through upgrade programs or were later production tanks, but for 80% of the collectors/displayers this won't matter as the M4A1 WAS present in considerable numbers.

The overall model is a nice M4A1 medium tank of a type that served through most of the US involvement in WW2 in various theaters and with various commands. Again, there are a LOT of repaint opportunities for this little guy.

Kudos to Andy and his team.

Gary B.
(no I don't get a free M4A1 for saying nice things about the model, but I sure WISH I did!

Once again Gary,

Thank you for your expertise.

Carlos

 

[Rob]

Hey Carlos,how are you now?

Best wishes for your recovery

Rob

 

[steel wheels]

This is a really nice looking M4A1. Iv'e been waiting for a Sherman without all the baggage hanging off of it. I plan to use the new tank crew, along with the tank, to create a little RR scene. Great looking tracks as well. May have to take a whiteout pen and write "STEEL WHEELS" along its hull. Good job K&C.

 

[noli-poli]

As the resident "Shermanoholic" I thought I might offer a few comments on the "Classic Sherman" coming in May.

Andy and the crew have done a fine job of producing an early M4A1 medium tank with 75mm gun. This tank has a number of early features that make for some interesting possibilities. The hull represents the cast upper hull that was unique to the M4A1 model - in fact the cast hull was the original preference for the US Army but foundry capacity limited the numbers that could be produced so most Shermans had welded upper hulls. The DD93 lacks the later applique armor - the "patches" added to early tanks to reinforce protection over the ammo racks. The tank has the earlier suspension - notice that the track return roller is placed right above the suspension unit instead of trailing the suspension bogie. This feature was inherited from the earlier M3 "Lee" medium tanks. What Andy has done is to give us a nice model of a medium tank that is adaptable for use from Tunisia to Nuremburg. The USMC also used a batch of M4A1s with similar features at Cape Gloucester (they were borrowed from the Army) and similar tanks saw action on New Guinea. The tank also has the early narrow gun shield - something that hasn't appeared on a K&C tank before.

This tank is VERY appropriate for the US Army in Tunisia and Sicily. Except from the cast transmission cover it also fills the bill for a British Eigth Army Sherman - so the repainters among us can stay busy (or Andy can release several versions of this tank!). As these earlier tanks wore out, many were placed in depots. After the large medium tank losses in the Battle of the Bulge most new tanks were going to the ETO and Italy was left short. Some of these tanks were hauled out, refurbished and placed back into service so one can see the early tanks in 1945 photos of Seventh Army units in Germany as well as in northern Italy. There is an interesting photo of one that was knocked out in the middle of the Nuremburg Sport palace.

The idea of changeable stowage is GREAT! A really nice innovation.

This tank is actually a bit early for the 1944 campaign in Normandy. Most of the tanks that came ashore in France had been through upgrade programs or were later production tanks, but for 80% of the collectors/displayers this won't matter as the M4A1 WAS present in considerable numbers.

The overall model is a nice M4A1 medium tank of a type that served through most of the US involvement in WW2 in various theaters and with various commands. Again, there are a LOT of repaint opportunities for this little guy.

Kudos to Andy and his team.

Gary B.
(no I don't get a free M4A1 for saying nice things about the model, but I sure WISH I did!

Gary:

Thanks for your insight on the Sherman. I have a question that I guess only you can answer:

Sherman in Action by Signal Publication featured a very extensive article about the Sherman, from it's infancy to the post 1945 version. I noticed that this version of the Sherman DD93 is the cast hull rather than the welded hull (which has angular edges) as described. Also, the early M4A1 came in welded and cast hull (rounded edges) and both had a a pair of riveted brackets on the front hull (not sure if that's the correct terminology for that part) and this model did not have it. Am I missing something here?

Thanks for your insights
N-P

 

[fmethorst]

As the resident "Shermanoholic" I thought I might offer a few comments on the "Classic Sherman" coming in May.

Hi Gary,

Do you have some insight into Shermans used by Canadian units? I am interested in learning which models are appropriate.

Thanks
Frank

 

[binder001]

Gary: Thanks for your insight on the Sherman. I have a question that I guess only you can answer: Sherman in Action by Signal Publication featured a very extensive article about the Sherman, from it's infancy to the post 1945 version. I noticed that this version of the Sherman DD93 is the cast hull rather than the welded hull (which has angular edges) as described. Also, the early M4A1 came in welded and cast hull (rounded edges) and both had a a pair of riveted brackets on the front hull (not sure if that's the correct terminology for that part) and this model did not have it. Am I missing something here? Thanks for your insights N-P

The M4A1 had ONLY the fully cast upper hull - that's its sole distinguishing factor. M4 = welded hull with radial engine, M4A1 = cast upper hull with radial engine. The other versions were distinguished by the engines and had welded hulls. There were late-production M4s built at the Detroit Tank Arsenal that featured a casting for the front 1/3 of the upper hull and a welded rear. These are called "composite hull" by modelers and were officially known to the British as "Sherman I Hybrid", but to the US Army it was just listed as an "M4" along with its fully welded kin. I'm not sure about the "riveted brackets", unless you mean the early transmission covers (the very nose of the tank) that was three pieces bolted together versus the later cast versions that had a one-piece exterior with either a rounded or sharp-nosed profile.

Gary

 

[binder001]

Hi Gary, Do you have some insight into Shermans used by Canadian units? I am interested in learning which models are appropriate. Thanks Frank

Hi Frank,

I'm not as "into" Canadian as I am US stuff, but a quick look seems to indicate that the most common Sherman for the Canadians in NW Europe was the Sherman V (US = M4A4) the version with the 30-cylinder Chrysler Multibank engine. They had the 75mm version (Sherman V), the Firefly version (Sherman Vc) and the unarmed forward observation post (Sherman V OP). They also fielded some Sherman III in some units (the diesel powered version known in the US as M4A2) and later in the campign the received some M4s with 105mm howitzer (Sherman Ib). One distinctive feature of quite a few Canadian Shermans was the extensive use of extra track welded onto the hull and turret to reinforce the armor. A number of our North American brothers covered the whole hull with extra tracks! See the new Osprey release "Sherman Firefly" for some examples.

If you like Canadian armor take a look at:
http://www.armouredacorn.com/cvm.html

This is part of the "Armored Acorn" site and this guy has great drawings of the camoflage and markings of all kinds of Canadian armor - WW2 Italy and Europe, Korea, and NATO era. Really cool stuff that could inspire models or repaints, or whatever.

Now the bad news - Andy hasn't done an M4A4/Sherman V (YET!). He did an M4A3 105mm howitzer (DD45) that could "stand in" for the Sherman Ib very nicely. Although smaller than K&C scale 21st Century makes a Sherman Ic "Firefly" that could "stand in" for the Sherman Vc's until Andy makes some. If Andy is going to do XXX Corps for Market-Garden then he will need either the Sherman Vc Firefly or the Sherman Hybrid Ic Firelfy.

Hope this helps - let me know if you need more.

Gary

 

[fmethorst]

Thanks Gary for the information and website. That is very helpful.

I found the following picture on a modeling site under the Canadian section but the description says it is a Sherman IC Hybrid.

What does hybrid hull mean?

Frank

 

[binder001]

Notice that the front 25-30% of the upper hull (the area in front of and around the drivers) is rounded instead of angular like the rest of the tank. The last production M4 tanks with 75mm guns produced at the Detroit Tank Arsenal used a casting in this area instead of multiple pieces welded together as used earlier in production. Notice that there is an angular seam running along the hull side near the front. That's where the cast part joins the remainder of the hull that was built from welded plates. That makes it a "hybrid" hull - part cast - part welded. Quite a few of these went to British and Canadian forces in Europe and quite a few of those were converted to "Firefly" tanks - that is a Sherman with the original 75mm gun replaced in a British workshop with a UK-designed 17 pounder high-velocity AT gun. The British called the M4 a "Sherman I' and added a suffix "c" to denote the 17 pounder gun (a howitzer tank got a "b" suffix) so the tank shown is a "Sherman Ic Hybrid".

Gary

 

[fmethorst]

One more question for now. Aside from the standard low velocity 75mm gun and potent British 17 pounder what guns did the Sherman carry? The Americans mounted a higher velocity 76mm on some to improve antitank performance correct?. Is this the same gun that was mounted on the M10 tank destroyer?

Frank