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Re: M4 Sherman tanks
Posted: Sun Aug 16, 2026 10:58 am
by Stikpusher
Stuart wrote: ↑Sun Aug 16, 2026 3:54 am
That's a nice photo - DD Sherman? It's got the props and the intake/exhaust ducts.
What's that towing it though, is it a Priest or a Dingo?
Man I really want to build a Sherman now LOL! I DO have that Easy Eight that I started building YEARS ago - IIRC, I was replacing the closed periscopes.
The Sherman is an M4A1 wading tank. One of the few that survived as operational by the end of D-Day in Omaha. Although it did have one of its bogie assemblies shot away and had to be towed off of the beach. The recovery vehicle looks to be the M31, which was based off of the M3 Lee.
The DD Sherman’s had a boat like addition to the hull for fitting the canvas screen system, supports, etc.
Re: M4 Sherman tanks
Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2026 10:55 am
by Stuart
Stikpusher wrote: ↑Sun Aug 16, 2026 10:58 am
The Sherman is an M4A1 wading tank. One of the few that survived as operational by the end of D-Day in Omaha. Although it did have one of its bogie assemblies shot away and had to be towed off of the beach. The recovery vehicle looks to be the M31, which was based off of the M3 Lee.
The DD Sherman’s had a boat like addition to the hull for fitting the canvas screen system, supports, etc.
Ah OK, that makes sense. Both of those would make great models (mind you, so would the DD). I'd love to do the M31!
Re: M4 Sherman tanks
Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2026 2:49 pm
by Stikpusher
If I ever get that M31 kit by Takom, I’d like to build this one from the North Africa campaign in Tunisia
Re: M4 Sherman tanks
Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2026 4:05 pm
by speedgraflex
Yes, I’d like to see you build that subject, too, Carlos. This has been a great discussion to visit, although I am coming to the conclusion I may never build a kit with separately linked tracks. I have seen a few kits with rubberized assembled tracks that I think about, maybe, someday?
Re: M4 Sherman tanks
Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2026 8:25 pm
by Stikpusher
speedgraflex wrote: ↑Mon Aug 17, 2026 4:05 pm
Yes, I’d like to see you build that subject, too, Carlos. This has been a great discussion to visit, although I am coming to the conclusion I may never build a kit with separately linked tracks. I have seen a few kits with rubberized assembled tracks that I think about, maybe, someday?
As far as tracks go, on most tracked US AFVs, indy link tracks are unnecessary. US tracks have what’s called “live” tracks that incorporate a rubber bushing on each connecting pin that counteracts the sag of tracks as is commonly seen on German, Russian, and other countries WWII era tanks. US use of live tracks goes back to before WWII, so all the tanks in use made in the USA has them. Certain other US made tracked vehicles such as half tracks and M29 Weasels, used an actual single piece rubber band track. They were steel reinforced, but were not connected links. So Bruce, look for those US AFV kits that have the old school single length track. With a few tips/tricks, you’re not sacrificing any accuracy. I personally feel that link and length tracks are the best compromise for tracks, unless one plans to articulate the suspension and display the kit on some form of uneven ground.
Re: M4 Sherman tanks
Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2026 9:28 pm
by speedgraflex
Stikpusher wrote: ↑Mon Aug 17, 2026 8:25 pm
speedgraflex wrote: ↑Mon Aug 17, 2026 4:05 pm
Yes, I’d like to see you build that subject, too, Carlos. This has been a great discussion to visit, although I am coming to the conclusion I may never build a kit with separately linked tracks. I have seen a few kits with rubberized assembled tracks that I think about, maybe, someday?
As far as tracks go, on most tracked US AFVs, indy link tracks are unnecessary. US tracks have what’s called “live” tracks that incorporate a rubber bushing on each connecting pin that counteracts the sag of tracks as is commonly seen on German, Russian, and other countries WWII era tanks. US use of live tracks goes back to before WWII, so all the tanks in use made in the USA has them. Certain other US made tracked vehicles such as half tracks and M29 Weasels, used an actual single piece rubber band track. They were steel reinforced, but were not connected links. So Bruce, look for those US AFV kits that have the old school single length track. With a few tips/tricks, you’re not sacrificing any accuracy. I personally feel that link and length tracks are the best compromise for tracks, unless one plans to articulate the suspension and display the kit on some form of uneven ground.
This is/was a very, very, very important message and I thank you sincerely for the information, Carlos.
