Re: New Tamiya Tank: 1/16 R/C M-51 Super Sherman Full-Option
Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2010 11:22 pm
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
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