RC Tank Warfare community hobby forum

Despite my many protests to work on other projects, I couldn't resist the tanking addiction and bought a Tamiya Sherman kit from evilbay.

My plan with this build is to convert it to a cast hull M4A1, with VVSS working suspension and a 75mm gun and M34A1 mantlet. I plan on adding the switchable MG's and RC controlled lighting I did on my Tiger, in addition to recoil with the 'fast back, slow forward' effect seen on the modified recoil unit in my Tiger. The smoke unit is up for debate, depending on space left after I cut the speaker box down.

I will freely admit I know very little about Allied armour in general, and the Sherman in particular, so it'll be time for many new books, and a lot of research.
I already know there will be some concessions to make. The 2nd Armoured had an interesting camo scheme, but I want mine in plain OD Green, they also used the 3-piece transmission covers on a lot of their Shermans, but I prefer the cast one. As with my Tiger, I will try to make the individual parts as accurate, and functional as I can, but i'm not recreating a specific machine.

Well, some early pictures. Just the basic kit;


A few of the upgrade parts to start with. The Mato hull and suspension (thanks Dave! ), Schumo drive axel supports, Styrene backboard, and Steel inner base plate. The plate should add some weight, and give a more realistic movement;


I also have coming the Schumo gearbox support bars, and hex screw set, and a custom rotor shield from Ethan on RCU. I have a few cunning plans for bits I want to enhance, possibly even trying my hand at some metal & resin casting.

The VVSS will be modified to work prototypically following the various mods that have been shown, and i'll be using Tailend Charlie's bearing mod as well, which should prolong the life of the Mato parts.

The first step is done, priming the metal hull, and I hope to have more for you guys later today!


Cheers,
Rik

i like your new project grim,still looks a bit tanky to me though,

Nice to see another Sherman joining the ranks if we carry on like this, it should even things up a bit at the battles i look forward to your build Rik.

Keith

This should be a good build
Stevie

[ICE]monkey wrote:i like your new project grim,still looks a bit tanky to me though,

Yep, I just can't drag myself away from tanks! lol I have 2 other static models in various states of completion, that have all been sidelined for the Sherman.

FireflyKeith wrote:Nice to see another Sherman joining the ranks if we carry on like this, it should even things up a bit at the battles i look forward to your build Rik.

Keith

Yep, there's a distinct lack of Allied armour about. Let's hope Tamiya release a British tank this year (fingers crossed for a Cromwell or a Comet! ).

tankmad wrote:This should be a good build
Stevie

Thanks mate, i'll do my best!

Cheers,
Rik

cant wait to see some more step by step photo's of this great build!

trev

boxerdog wrote:cant wait to see some more step by step photo's of this great build!

trev

In the same style as my Tiger, there wil be a lot of pictures! I'll do my best with this one. I'm actually quite glad Aber don't do a photo-etch set for the Sherman, lol, all that soldering brass on my Tiger did my eyes, and mind, in! lol

I'm working at mounting the suspension. I have the backplates on, as per septon's guide;


I removed the 'lumps' that are ment to be either bolts or rivet as I plan on replacing them with actual bolts;


I had to relocate the suspension as the wheels were far to close together. This is something to watch out for when mounting the suspension or the wheels will foul each other;


The next step is to shim the bogies so they don't wobble, and attach the idler mounts. I'm not sure if I want to try to make adjustable idlers, its looks like too much trouble to be worth it. I do want to improve the strength of the mounts with a nut and some brass tube, which will come, as I work it out, lol.

I'm still waiting for parts, and I have to wait for payday to get the Nick Aguilar parts I want, but some little bits are able to be done now.

Cheers,
Rik

hate to say this rik but you have put the frount bogie to far forward it will hit the sprocket when it gose up the mato wheels are over scale thats why thay hit

paul

Great start

Sent you a PM

I was worried about that too, but with the working suspension mod, and mounting the front wheel about 0.5-1mm back on the arm, it just clears the sprocket.

The Mato wheels are quite big, I hope someone releases an aftermarket set in the correct scale. I'm looking into casting, maybe making smaller versions of the mato wheels. The only thing i'm not sure about is making rubber tires. Anyone have any clue on how to do this?

Cheers,
Rik