M551 Sheridan Airborne light tank - Vietnam - build
Posted: Sun May 24, 2020 11:59 pm
Hi,
Here is the start of my new build. As I am waiting for parts to complete and paint the Tpz-1, I might as well enjoy the nice weather and do some outside model building to enjoy my pandemic confinement.
Before starting a build, It is important to read and review material in order to create a connection between the builder and the model. It makes the build a lot more interesting when you understand its working and history. Many guys were not happy that Tamiya issued the Sheridan. As for me, I was extremely please to see something new and cold war era with lots of opportunity for a build. I find the Sheridan to be a good looking vehicle. Ok, it is not heavy and the gun is short but it is 152mm...
The build will be based on the new 1/16 Tamiya M551 Sheridan light tank in a Vietnam war setting. As usual in Vietnam, the crews adapted, improvised and modified their vehicle to their needs. Below is an example with Acav shield and no search light.
This is obviously the picture that Tamiya used as inspiration for its latest M551. I have studied most Vietnam photos available on the web and I am only seeing the RPG mesh shield on the 25th infantry division vehicles. Each units had their own customization. I do not think the mesh make the model good looking so I will not use it anyway.
The history of the Sheridan is directly linked to its M81E1 Rifled 152 mm Gun/Missile Launcher. Also used on the M60A2, but in a turret that was not as good looking as the Sheridan. There are 2 versions of the gun, early M81 and late M81E1, with a much different look.
Use of the Sheridan in Vietnam is associated with its 152mm Beehive canister ammo that contained 10,000 metal flechettes per rounds. Whole waves of attacking Viet Cong could be massacred with a couple of rounds.
Example of the flechettes
The effects of the Beehive round could be devastating when used against infantry in close range.
Many M551 carried a secondary turret machine gun for the gunner, such as this M60 on a M2 Browning mount. Notice the turret rack at the rear.
Here is an extra M2 .50 cal. Also seen is the turret rack filled with ammo. The interior of the vehicle was small and could not carry much storage inside.
Good view of the M113 style ACAV shield.
This is it, let's start the build.
Continuing on following post
Here is the start of my new build. As I am waiting for parts to complete and paint the Tpz-1, I might as well enjoy the nice weather and do some outside model building to enjoy my pandemic confinement.
Before starting a build, It is important to read and review material in order to create a connection between the builder and the model. It makes the build a lot more interesting when you understand its working and history. Many guys were not happy that Tamiya issued the Sheridan. As for me, I was extremely please to see something new and cold war era with lots of opportunity for a build. I find the Sheridan to be a good looking vehicle. Ok, it is not heavy and the gun is short but it is 152mm...
The build will be based on the new 1/16 Tamiya M551 Sheridan light tank in a Vietnam war setting. As usual in Vietnam, the crews adapted, improvised and modified their vehicle to their needs. Below is an example with Acav shield and no search light.
This is obviously the picture that Tamiya used as inspiration for its latest M551. I have studied most Vietnam photos available on the web and I am only seeing the RPG mesh shield on the 25th infantry division vehicles. Each units had their own customization. I do not think the mesh make the model good looking so I will not use it anyway.
The history of the Sheridan is directly linked to its M81E1 Rifled 152 mm Gun/Missile Launcher. Also used on the M60A2, but in a turret that was not as good looking as the Sheridan. There are 2 versions of the gun, early M81 and late M81E1, with a much different look.
Use of the Sheridan in Vietnam is associated with its 152mm Beehive canister ammo that contained 10,000 metal flechettes per rounds. Whole waves of attacking Viet Cong could be massacred with a couple of rounds.
Example of the flechettes
The effects of the Beehive round could be devastating when used against infantry in close range.
Many M551 carried a secondary turret machine gun for the gunner, such as this M60 on a M2 Browning mount. Notice the turret rack at the rear.
Here is an extra M2 .50 cal. Also seen is the turret rack filled with ammo. The interior of the vehicle was small and could not carry much storage inside.
Good view of the M113 style ACAV shield.
This is it, let's start the build.
Continuing on following post