[The Sherman entered service in 1942.]



History:  The Sherman entered service in 1942, and saw extensive service with the U.S. Army and most Allied armies during and after World War II.   It was the most prolific medium tank of the war and 49,230 Shermans of all variants were produced.   After World War II it saw action in Korea and the Middle East, and is still in service with some armies.



[The Sherman weighed about 30 tons.]



As originally adopted, the Sherman weighed about 30 tons and was armed with the 75mm M3 gun that was gyro-stabilized.   The turret was a one-piece rounded casting, 3" thick at the front and power operated.   The lower hull was welded while the construction of the upper hull basically helped identify the various different models.




[The horizontal volute spring suspension commonly referred to as HVSS.]



We won't tell the entire Sherman story here, but we will mention two of the many production enhancements that appear on this model.   The first concerns the effort to improve the ride and stability, and at the same time reduce the ground pressure of the tank.   The original and highly characteristic vertical volute spring suspension and 16" track were designed for, and more suited to the 20 ton M2 series and not the 30 plus tons of the M4.   Eventually, these were replaced by 23" tracks, and a new horizontal volute spring suspension commonly referred to as HVSS.



[This Sherman mounted the 105mm howitzer.]



A further armament innovation was the implementation of the 105mm howitzer.   In 1941, the Aberdeen Proving Grounds suggested that the Sherman could easily mount the 105mm gun, but it wasn't until late 1942 that several tanks were modified and tested.   Eventually, the howitzer in the M52 mount was adopted as a standard item, and some 4,680 units were built and used by headquarter companies to provide fire support, replacing the older M8 75mm SP howitzer.



[This kit is an updated version of the 1974 release] [Assembly is typical Tamiya fit and quality]



The Kit:  This kit is an updated version of the 1974 release with added stowage and a beaut of a Ma Deuce (50 cal MG).   Assembly is typical Tamiya fit and quality throughout, with everything laid out in the instructions, although one suspension piece was missing from my sample.   Luckily a local (and somewhat mad) resin casting "guru" was able to cast a replacement part.   The Sherman requires a 2 or 4 channel radio and the optional battle system is a must if you want to be a Tiger killer!   With a little plastic surgery the LED of the battle system can be installed in the turret mantel gunner sight port, thus hiding it from view.



[I added periscope guards from brass rod]


I built my tank pretty much out of the box, but I did add fuel filler cap lock downs, periscope guards from brass rod, and replaced the molded grab handles with brass as well.   The commander's hatch was also modified with a working hinge to allow the battle system to be inserted.



[I also added the fuel filler cap lock downs.]



The tank was painted with Model Master Enamels, and the decals came from the kit, after which it was weathered with pastels.   Tigers beware!




[It was weathered with pastels.]




References:
Sherman Walk Around, Squadron Signal Publications



[The tank was painted with Model Master Enamels.]




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