New Tamiya Tank: 1/16 R/C M-51 Super Sherman Full-Option Kit

[Pcomm1]

This is what the Dragon 1/35 kit says about the M-51

The Sherman M-50 and M-51 were hybrid versions of the M4 Sherman tank that served with the Israel Defense Forces from the mid-1950s to early 1980s. The M-50 was known abroad as the Super Sherman and the M-51 as the Isherman, however, these names were never used by the Israel Defense Forces. They were a French-Israeli collaboration developed by combining the US Sherman tank and a long 105 mm gun. Initially in 1953, an Israeli delegation visited France to evaluate the new AMX 13 light tank for use, and while the gun was deemed satisfactory, the armor of the French tank was considered too light. Eventually it was decided to graft the powerful French gun onto the available, familiar and better-armored hull of the American M4 Sherman.

The project started in 1954, and in 1955 a prototype turret was sent from France to Israel. In March 1956, the Israeli Ordnance Corps facilities started to convert their tanks using guns received from France. The gun was known in Israel as the M-50 and as a result the upgunned Sherman was designated Sherman M-50. It was similar to the Sherman Firefly in that it had the original turret of the 75 mm Shermans fitted with a large counterweight at the rear end. The first 50 units were based on VVSS suspension M4A4 hulls using Continental R-975 gasoline engines, however the increased weight of the vehicle put too much strain on the engine, resulting in frequent mechanical failures. Therefore, the remaining conversions adoped the 460 hp Cummins V-8 diesel engine and the HVSS suspension.

In the 1960s, a new version was developed using the more powerful French 105 mm gun. In Israel the gun was designated M-51 and the tank the Sherman M-51. The conversion used M4A1 hulls with Cummins diesel engines and HVSS suspension, and made its public debut during the Independence Day ceremony in 1965. In combat against the Arab armies, the M-51 proved itself capable of fighting newer, heavier tanks like the Soviet-built T-54/55. The M-51 served well during its time, and is regarded as an excellent example of how an obsolete tank like the Sherman could be upgraded beyond the limits of its original capabilities.

The two photos are from my model reference files and this is not my 1/35 build, but the M-51 is certainly a great looking Sherman and a tank I think many would enjoy building.

John

[brizo58]

Hi All
Just seen the price for the Tamiya M51 sherman £750..00. This is a joke most of the kit is the standard M4-105 with the new parts in it for the the M51. So am i going to buy it i don"t think, not at that price Thats my rant for today...Brian

[BigPanzer]

Hi,

I don't think many people will pay that sort of price for what is basically a re-hash of the 105mm. The development has already been done and paid for many times over with the 105. Why should we pay for it yet again? Same goes for much of the tooling.

Tamiya have yet again missed a golden oppertunity to introduce people to their tanks at a reasonable price and have missed out on it.

Also I suspect there are dealers out there who are capitalising on the introduction to make as much cash as possible. My suggestion is not to buy from them, but to wait.

Peter

[brizo58]

Hi Peter

yep they have got it wrong again . Price to high no one will buy it??? mind you someone will, i think, so far i have got most of there rc tank kits :~ but they have all gone up in price and a hell of a lot to.still i"ll get back to my partwork Tiger 1 almost done the turret it"s going to take about 2 years to compleat it, still loads of time now i"m not buying tamiya??????. But you never know... Speak to soon i hope........ Brian

[littletankman]

I think that this just might upset a few guys who are changing there old tammy shermans........
Fleshy...........................

Ive got a vintage and full option Sherman that I plan on altering to a WW2 version using Daves Mato tubs , I have one already just not the time to start the suspension mod .So I would be in the same boat.

Andy

[sparks]

Yeah, this is too much to pay for a re-vamp Sherman. It has new DMD an MF units and if these are giving out unique sounds etc for this tank, then thats about £350's worth, but £750 is still too much.