M4A3 Sherman 75MM

[jtracks]

A few weeks ago I purchased the Taigen Sherman I reference above. I am at the point now that I would like to add some detail to the tank but I want to make sure, that what I do is correct for this particular tank. I am wanting to add the two pieces of welded steel plate that I have seen on the sides of some Shermans. So what I would like to know from you that know, would I be correct in adding these plates to my particular tank? The only photos I've seen of this added armor?? is on Shermans that have the split commanders hatch of which mine does not have. If this is something that is correct, an approximation of plate thickness and location would also be helpful. Thank you

Joe

[ALPHA]

Here you go Jt something left over from another member Cupotea ..fantastic site... knock yourself out.... I did

http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/

ALPHA

[jtracks]

Thanks for the great web site ALPHA, now I am really confused. Seems my tank has features from a few different variants. It appears this is a mid to late version that was produced by Fisher. What I didn't see were the side plates on this variant so I won't be adding them. I might add the rear view mirror brackets however. Thanks again.

Joe

[ALPHA]

Thanks for the great web site ALPHA, now I am really confused.

...I had a hunch you would like it JT lol....felt the same way after doing my first Sherman ...it was a real teeter totter between frustration and fun

Seems my tank has features from a few different variants. It appears this is a mid to late version that was produced by Fisher. What I didn't see were the side plates on this variant so I won't be adding them. I might add the rear view mirror brackets however. Thanks again.

Joe

That's the thing about the Sherman.... it was one tank...but one tank that was used by just about everyone ...even the Germans captured and used some of them

Add in field mods... and mods for purpose...ie:snorkels ...rocket launchers ....flamers ...hedge rippers and the like...and sky is the limit

Good luck JT..the world of Shermans is huge to say the least

ALPHA

[rayzzer-b]

Thanks for the great web site ALPHA, now I am really confused. Seems my tank has features from a few different variants. It appears this is a mid to late version that was produced by Fisher. What I didn't see were the side plates on this variant so I won't be adding them. I might add the rear view mirror brackets however. Thanks again.

Joe

HI tanks in war dont really have a set plan it gets produced then in the field it gets changed to suit the crew's usages add on an storage ,its a tank , like Alpha states the sherman has a vast amount inter breeding lol' and storage was important to the crew ,, if you like something then what the hell . happy tanking 'Ray

[MartinL]

http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/ref ... 3-1942.pdf

Evening guys,

Dunno if this will help with any of the details but is packed full of info as it's the original technical manual for the tank - enjoy!

Re the appliqué armour you are looking at adding - there are always exceptions so I'm sticking my head over the parapet a little here but..... - the general rule with shermans is that the wet stowage tanks didn't have these patches on the hull. And you can tell a wet stowage Sherman by the steeper angle front plate with the larger driver/bow gunner hatches. The dry stowage shermans have the lesser sloped (I forget the exact angles) with the protruding hoods in the front armour - these are the dry stowage shermans to which the patches were applied for additional protection to the ammo stowage which was the main factor in the shermans unfortunate propensity to voilent fires/ explosion when hit badly. Wet stowage eliminated this and therefore the need for the patches was considered redundant.

Hope this helps some, hoppe you enjoy the link - pretty fascinating stuff for a Shermaholic like myself.

All the best,
Martin

[jtracks]

http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/ref ... 3-1942.pdf

Evening guys,

Dunno if this will help with any of the details but is packed full of info as it's the original technical manual for the tank - enjoy!

Re the appliqué armour you are looking at adding - there are always exceptions so I'm sticking my head over the parapet a little here but..... - the general rule with shermans is that the wet stowage tanks didn't have these patches on the hull. And you can tell a wet stowage Sherman by the steeper angle front plate with the larger driver/bow gunner hatches. The dry stowage shermans have the lesser sloped (I forget the exact angles) with the protruding hoods in the front armour - these are the dry stowage shermans to which the patches were applied for additional protection to the ammo stowage which was the main factor in the shermans unfortunate propensity to voilent fires/ explosion when hit badly. Wet stowage eliminated this and therefore the need for the patches was considered redundant.

Hope this helps some, hoppe you enjoy the link - pretty fascinating stuff for a Shermaholic like myself.

All the best,
Martin

Hi Martin, yes, I gave up on the add on panels after I did some research. I think the angle you make reference to is 47* if I correctly remember what I read. Thank you for the information and your reply.

Joe