FIREFLY? WHAT HAVE i GOT HERE?

[HERMAN BIX]

g'day folks, I got this upper as part of a "rubbish pile" the other day.
This, an old 27mhz Tiger, and a KV1 for AUD$80.

With this Sherman upper, is it possible as it is to create a New Zealand Firefly in Italy without solving the proverbial 'Rubicks Cube' that is a Sherman variant ?
Im not a Sherman guy(the late General Alpha will be rolling over this !) but as the very first ever model of a tank I had was a Matchbox Firefly, I want to do one out of nostalgia and a Kiwi one if possible.
Its got a real nice metal barrel on it.

Tell me if Im dreaming or not & what will I need to do to get a basic representation of one.
(I get I will need a lower hull !!)

[dgsselkirk]

Yep, you are dreaming... :-)

biggest mod will be converting it to a small hatch upper deck which means 3D printed or scratch built front hatches and the proper angle to start, the rear engine grill has to go and replaced with the proper configuration featuring the raised rad cover, fuel caps need repositioning, you will need 3pc transmission cover, the turret is high bustle and although a few and I mean a very few were that the most common is a low bustle turret. both turret hatches are incorrect. You need a split hatch for the commanders cupola and the loaders hatch is a square configuration. Center rear vent gets removed, you need the radio box on the back, and then there are all the small details but hey, lots of guys stick and extra radio box on the back of the turret, add the firefly barrel and POOF! Call it a Firefly... LOL!

[HERMAN BIX]

Now THATS honesty
Appreciate the input mr Selkirk, a much bigger job than I want for what it is.
Although I build as close as possible to what my skill set and time/resources/money allows and accept shortcomings accordingly, it seems even a half assed Firefly is a Tank Too Far.

I’m pretty certain I could not live with ‘poof’ a Firefly( or any other for that matter) so up for sale it shall go,

Thanks again mate, saved me a lot of wasted time.

[dgsselkirk]

Yea, sorry to be the bearer of bad news Herman but yes, the amount of work it takes to convert an HL to a proper Firefly is the whole reason I made the Firefly kits...

[Jarlath]

Now THATS honesty
Appreciate the input mr Selkirk, a much bigger job than I want for what it is.
Although I build as close as possible to what my skill set and time/resources/money allows and accept shortcomings accordingly, it seems even a half assed Firefly is a Tank Too Far.

I’m pretty certain I could not live with ‘poof’ a Firefly( or any other for that matter) so up for sale it shall go,

Thanks again mate, saved me a lot of wasted time.

Dean is a pretty knowledgeable person with regards to all things Sherman... Other than the upper hull, you also need to stretch the lower hull for a Firefly (M4A4 chassis). At least for the majority of Fireflies anyways...

[Ad Lav]

Keep the barrel and flog the other bits!!

[Exhibitedbrute]

Mr bix in having a firefly I can take some measurements and offer up some cheap and achievable suggestions, I also have some spare small hatches that I had printed for mine that I never used to help you along

[Exhibitedbrute]

The engine deck I could also get printed as for the rest I can measure the hull extensions and front angle from mine, I would recommend the purchase of one of deans firefly turrets though just for ease of the build

[Jofaur86]

Hello
Video for Herman
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uYyh2NGPo3U

[HERMAN BIX]

The engine deck I could also get printed as for the rest I can measure the hull extensions and front angle from mine, I would recommend the purchase of one of deans firefly turrets though just for ease of the build

That’s a very generous offer Mr Brute, could be I do push on with a Sherman build after all.

[Exhibitedbrute]

I will find the hatches out and put a picture of them up for you. They have been printed in a way to allow them to be functional but some precise drilling and some sort of brass or sturdy plastic rod would be needed for the hinge pins

[43rdRecceReg]

Best sites for Sherman Firefly (recognition) details, HB, are these. No doubt you've seen the links before, but a refresher is often useful:

http://the.shadock.free.fr//sherman_min ... index.html

http://www.theshermantank.com/the-sherm ... irefly-vc/

[Estnische]

[43rdRecceReg]

That's one very BIG rabbit hole...or, one very small Alice

[HERMAN BIX]

I picked that straight away !

Thats exactly what I thought I would get myself into just by even asking !!

[dgsselkirk]

If it's any consolation Herman that is my next build after 2 Jagdpanthers, the new Firefly at the AAAM....

[HERMAN BIX]

I reckon it’s a swap deal for something.
I’m better to get a DG kit and go at least close to correct right off the bat.
Anyone want a Sherman upper ??

[Exhibitedbrute]

That would certainly be the easiest option but the hull would still need to be extended, which I can provide measurement for from my own firefly

[43rdRecceReg]

That would certainly be the easiest option but the hull would still need to be extended, which I can provide measurement for from my own firefly

Only Fireflies based on the M4A4 hull (Vc) need to go to the chop shop. Hybrid (1c), and M4 (1c) don't need a longer chassis. In fact, the M4 Ic should just fit on the M4A3 lower hull.
That's a precedent for leaving the hull/tub undoctored- should it be needed.

[dgsselkirk]

That would certainly be the easiest option but the hull would still need to be extended, which I can provide measurement for from my own firefly

Only Fireflies based on the M4A4 hull (Vc) need to go to the chop shop. Hybrid (1c), and M4 (1c) don't need a longer chassis. In fact, the M4 Ic should just fit on the M4A3 lower hull.
That's a precedent for leaving the hull/tub undoctored- should it be needed.

tis true... now just have to find those for reference...