RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - LMCQ11 Build

[lmcq11]

Hi,

Time to start a new project. This one will be easier than the past few builds, it will be a Tamiya M4A3E8 Sherman conversion.

Here is the Sherman T31 Demolition tank prototype that i want to reproduce in 1/16 with RC features. I am guessing someone in the US Army was jealous of the Sturmtiger and wanted a tank that could do something similar.

The main turret armament is composed of two revolver type T94 7.2 inch rocket launchers in the side pods that can hold 5 rounds each, with 20 more rockets stored in the turret and that can be reloaded from inside the vehicle. The rocket launcher pods can elevate. There is a dummy and fixed 155mm gun pointing forward to make it look more scary. There is a total of 3 ball mounted Browning M1919 machine guns, and a Browning M2 on the commander's cupula. It's impressive.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Capture1.JPG (88.73 KiB) Viewed 1955 times

Notice the holes for the rocket back blasts and back door for reloading.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Capture3.JPG (93.63 KiB) Viewed 1955 times

The TC has a late Sherman style cupola.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

It came too late to be produced during the war and after some technical issues were found during trials at Aberdeen regarding the rocket revolving basket mechanism, the project was cancelled and the unique prototype was sadly destroyed.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Capture5.JPG (94.29 KiB) Viewed 1955 times

The tank was armed with thirty T-37 demolition rockets, a modification of a naval anti-submarine rocket. It had a range of 212 meters.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Capture6.JPG (41.1 KiB) Viewed 1955 times

I do not want to repro the prototype as is, i prefer a "what if" production vehicle. To make it even more impressive, i also plan to equip the vehicle with an M1A1 bulldozer blade.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Capture6a.JPG (47.52 KiB) Viewed 1955 times

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Capture6b.JPG (61.26 KiB) Viewed 1955 times

Because of the M4E3E8 HVSS suspension, the M1A1 blade is wider than the M1 and has a different mount.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Capture8.JPG (65.43 KiB) Viewed 1955 times

For the conversion, i will use an old Tamiya M4A3E8 HVSS that i built as a young man in the early 1990s and kept on the shelve ever since. I always found the small turret with the 105mm gun to be simplistic and quite unimpressive. I already converted two of these Tamiya Shermans to the 76mm turret with the Nick Aguilar conversion, i need something new.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Continuing on following post.

[lmcq11]

The old turret will be discarded.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Looking inside, the old Tamiya has a decent gearbox, but the T-01 board only allows the tank to be driven around, it has no turret or other functions. There are people that still pay $500 for these on eBay.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

For the build, i will be helped by the BoldDivision 1/35 resin conversion kit to extrapolate shapes and dimensions for 1/16 scale.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Resin parts are well casted.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

The model is simple and the core components can be built in less that 90 minutes, minus the fragile details that can be avoided for the 1/16 build as reference.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

It comes with Master M1919 metal gun barrels, a nice touch. A third one for the hull mg would have been nice though for consistency.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

A 1/35 kit is excellent to study, and see where there could also be some issues to correct for the 1/16 build. I am noticing the rocket barrels seems a bit too small in diameter.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Capture18.JPG (73.09 KiB) Viewed 1950 times

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Capture19.JPG (77.12 KiB) Viewed 1950 times

Continuing on following post

[lmcq11]

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Capture20.JPG (73.76 KiB) Viewed 1949 times

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

This is the Vandra M1 bulldozer 1/16 resin conversion kit. As usual, it comes with issues. Notice how the spade is warped and has a broken section.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

30 seconds in the microwave does fix the warping.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Capture23.JPG (79.84 KiB) Viewed 1949 times

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

The M1A1 mounts will need to be scratch built. God knows what else will need to be redone.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

As i need the wider M1A1 bulldozer because of the HVSS suspension and tracks, i need to convert it by adding 2.28mm in width to the blade.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Machine gun accessories.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Time to use my new Elmod Fusion Pro. As a builder, electronics are not my specialty and i have been using Clark boards for years. It looks a bit complicated but i will figure it out.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

This is it, the build is starting.

Regards, Louis

[tankme]

That is definitely not your ordinary subject for a build. I'm sure you will make that ugly machine look great...

[Kaczor]

Interesting project. Shermans have some crazy versions

phpBB [video]

[HERMAN BIX]

I just cant get past how "out-there" it is !!
Great concept, possibly ahead of its time, but God !! What a hideous looking AFV
I get that form-follows-function, but its juuuuuust uuuuugly

That aside, cant think of a better reason to convert a boring 105 Sherman to something with a bit of "ring-a-ding-ding"!!

[EAO]

Louis,

That is one butt ugly tank! It looks almost Russian in the shape of the turret! Will be interesting to see how you handle the build. I've seen Kaczor's video before, but it still blows my mind! I guess it speaks of the solidness of the chassis to be able to come up with so many alien configurations!

Also, totally blown away by your "microwave modeling" skills! If I tried that the microwave would need replacing and the house would smell like a scorched cat!

Cheers,
Eric.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Among the dozen or so Sherman books I have, I do not recall seeing that hilarious beast! I'd bet it's in some book, but I just missed it. Well, I am a bit run down (not COVID) and its snowing like crazy, so it's time for a lazy book search tonight. Meanwhile, you will up to your usual magic. This will be an absolute blast to see, Louis!

[lmcq11]

Hi everyone,

Thank you all for the encouragements. Yeah, it's not pretty but its impressive, that why i decided to build it. I already built most of the pretty Sherman based vehicles.. so this is what i am down to in order to keep interest in the M4. I like this one because the armament is really special.

The T31 should be seen as an American attempt to create a US KV-2 and Sturmtiger equivalent. If the war had lasted longer and it had been produced, it would have given amazing firepower support to the US troops.

Starting with the turret, i selected a cheap Heng Long turret base for modifications, keeping my Tamiya 105mm turret intact, just in case i decide to reuse it one day.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

The Heng Long turret base just need two roundels to adapt it to the Tamiya upper hull. One to fit the turret ring of the hull as shown below, and one overlayed roundel over the lips to hold the turret in place for a smooth rotation.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

The T31 turret structure needs a round flat base like this.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

The cast turret core is done in 1.5mm plasticard in a few hours of work. Its shape is quite simplistic with flat areas, few angles and rounded corners.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

The frontal area is completed. The back is left open until the elevation system is in place. Because the turret will have no recoil system, the electronics inside will be very simple, one servo for elevation and large LEDs on the rocket launcher tubes.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

The turret structure is deposited on the base to check things out. You can already see the turret shape similarities between the T31 and the Russian KV-2. If the T31 had been armed with a large caliber howitzer instead of side rocket launcher pods, the resemblance would have been striking.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Next step, the rocket launcher pods and the elevation system.

Regards, Louis

[B_Man]

That is a very interesting subject Louis and not something I have come across before. When I saw the date you started the thread I assumed it was an elaborate April Fools.

[lmcq11]

That is a very interesting subject Louis and not something I have come across before. When I saw the date you started the thread I assumed it was an elaborate April Fools.

It's a vehicle i noticed in the 1/35 scale hobby world and it should be pretty unique in 1/16 scale RC. I like to build 1/16 models i have not seen before.

This post is for the rocket pod structure.

The base of the pods.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Armed with 14mm outside diameter aluminum tubing, and matching the 7.2 inch rocket calibre on the inside. The installation of the pods needs to be done before the pods are enclosed.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Pod elevation is manually tested for integration, looking good.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

For rocket tube flash, i created 4 bundles of three 5mm LEDs, white for the front, yellow at the rear of the tube.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

LEDs and wiring installed, and tested.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Servo elevation system for the central shaft is created with a simple design.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Pods are installed and firmly attached to the central shaft.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Central shaft and LED wiring are pre-positioned for the enclosure of the pods.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Capture8.JPG (88.03 KiB) Viewed 1686 times

The pods are enclosed in two steps, bottom first and then top, with drying time in between.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

The 1/16 turret core shape compares well to the 1/35 kit.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Continuing on following post

[lmcq11]

Once the elevation servo will be installed and electronics tested, i will be able to complete the rear of the turret.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Depositing the T31 turret on the Sherman hull for a first good look of the basic shapes of the vehicle.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Maximum rocket pods elevation.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Minimum rocket pods elevation.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Frontal view.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Side views.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Capture17.JPG (93.89 KiB) Viewed 1686 times

Next step is to reproduce the cast metal effect, and add the various details on the turret structure as seen on the 1/35 kit and reference pictures.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Regards, Louis

[Ecam]

I'm so impressed with your speed! Do you sleep? And still the work is excellent. Keep it up.

[lmcq11]

I'm so impressed with your speed! Do you sleep? And still the work is excellent. Keep it up.

Retired guy, I do modelling for about 3 hours per day, sometimes a bit more if I am in the middle of something tricky.

[BarryC]

I'm so impressed with your speed! Do you sleep? And still the work is excellent. Keep it up.

I have always marveled at his ability to accomplish great work in such a seemly brief period of time.

Barry

[B_Man]

I'm so impressed with your speed! Do you sleep? And still the work is excellent. Keep it up.

I have always marveled at his ability to accomplish great work in such a seemly brief period of time.

Barry

Me too. Ive been plugging away at some basic photo etch detail on the rear of a jagdpanther for months now and I'm still not quite finished . I'm looking forward to being retired one day and having a some free time on my hands.

[EAO]

Pure magic, Louis! Blown away...again!

Cheers,
Eric.

[lmcq11]

Thank you Ecam, Barry, Bman and Eric !

Hi everyone, continuing with the build. Here is the turret, almost complete, except the M2 machine gun and the antenna mounts.

Elevation servo is installed and tested. It is a simple design but very efficient, strong and smooth. Elevation is assigned to independent channel and VRB Knob on the remote.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

The heavy cast metal effect is done with Testors putty, put on by unevenly massaging the plastic surface with putty using a finger. After drying, the surface is sanded, providing this uneven heavy cast metal effect that i personally appreciate and seen in references.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

The G sprue of the Tamiya M-26 Pershing kit, purchase separately at Axel, is providing some goodies, such as the commander's cupola and M2 mount.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

The base seen in reference is done using roundels created with a roundel cutter.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

The cupola and the back doors are installed.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Here with M2 machine gun mount and other details added to the top.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

The rocket launchers have a uneven contour section, not sure how to call it. The basic material is 2 layers of 4mm thick plasticard glued together, then the basic shape is carved with the Dremel.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Then extensively polished with a hand file, the last ring is added on top and thoroughly finetuned before installing on the rocket pods with the remaining details.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Basic shapes for the periscope. The fragile periscope guards have not been done yet.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Continuing on following post.

[lmcq11]

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

The material for the ball mount for the Browning M1919 machine guns is done with overlaid plastic tube glued together, then shaped with Dremel and finetuned with nail files.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

The tips of the Aber M1919 brass barrel are modified to accept a fibre optic through a brass tube and then armed with a 5mm yellow LED.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Capture12.JPG (52.02 KiB) Viewed 1544 times

The ball mounted machine guns and the dummy 155mm barrel are installed.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

Overview of the mostly completed turret.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

At maximum elevation.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

[lmcq11]

A few more pictures.

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

RC 1/16 Sherman T31 Demolition tank - Build

That's it for now. Next step, the Sherman hull and the M1A1 bulldozer blade.

Regards, Louis