M4A1(75) Sherman

[RiskyR]

This is another project I've been working on for a long time.
Now with some leftover suspension parts from my HL donor (for the HVSS suspension design), I thought it was a good moment to design a HL-like bottom hull to use the HL suspension on.
Then I finalised the early M4A1 cast hull design, together with the low bustle turret, I 3D printed everything and here's the result. Pretty pleased so far!

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And a nice comparison to the later Sherman variant.

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[Ecam]

What a terrific start. I know there is a ton of engineering behind the scenes, but that 3D printing makes it look so easy. Is the lower hull printed too? Tell me about those boxes in the rear corner of the inner hull. Idler adjustment?

I have a printer, but thus far have managed only to turn it on.....

[RiskyR]

What a terrific start. I know there is a ton of engineering behind the scenes, but that 3D printing makes it look so easy. Is the lower hull printed too? Tell me about those boxes in the rear corner of the inner hull. Idler adjustment?

I have a printer, but thus far have managed only to turn it on.....

Yes everything is 3D printed except the running gear, which came from my HL Sherman donor.
Everything does take some time to design and takes some practice to get right, but I've been doing this for about a year now in which I've learned a lot. Great fun to do!

The boxes in the rear of the hull are indeed for idler adjustment. My initial thought was a spring loaded idler adjuster, so that it has a kind of automatic track tensioning system. It's not like the original, which has an offset idler axle. I've tried that as well, but that's just too weak to use on a running vehicle.
The method I'm now using is much stronger, so should do well when used in the terrain.

[Ecam]

But your tensioner is somewhat functional? I love what you are doing. I'm for sure, tuned in!

[RiskyR]

But your tensioner is somewhat functional? I love what you are doing. I'm for sure, tuned in!

Yes it is functional! Here you can see how it should work, as it is fitted to my Firefly Prototype. It is spring loaded and the idler "housing" can move forward or aft, which will tension the tracks.

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[Ecam]

Brilliant! Once I get to printing, that will be high on my list.

Just went back and read your M4A4 Firefly thread, not sure how I missed it originally (perhaps because I had only a slight interest in 3D pinting). That is some impressive work too!

Here is a link for anyone who missed it as well:

viewtopic.php?t=32917

[RiskyR]

Brilliant! Once I get to printing, that will be high on my list.

Just went back and read your M4A4 Firefly thread, not sure how I missed it originally (perhaps because I had only a slight interest in 3D pinting). That is some impressive work too!

Here is a link for anyone who missed it as well:

viewtopic.php?t=32917

Thanks I think most people just look in the HL/Tamiya/other builds. I've learned a lot during the Firefly design/build. It is unfortunately a tad too large for 1/16th scale, so will probably not be developed further. However all the good things of that design are implemented in this one

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Just a note, Risky: since my image of the Sherman for over 60 years has been the cast hull/cast turret, I am following along here.

[Raminator]

Really great work with the design and prints Risky, and the olive filament even makes it look like an OEM product too! Since you're also printing your own running gear, the sky's the limit for your next projects!

[RiskyR]

Just a note, Risky: since my image of the Sherman for over 60 years has been the cast hull/cast turret, I am following along here.

Always nice so see someone being interested

Really great work with the design and prints Risky, and the olive filament even makes it look like an OEM product too! Since you're also printing your own running gear, the sky's the limit for your next projects!

Thanks! Well that's part of the problem, I've got so much going on and so much I still want to do, I lack the time to do everything
I should just focus on this one and get this one finished first, but there's also an M51 in the works, based on the HL lower hull with the HVSS suspension.