Sherman M4A1

Morian Miner · Post by **Morian Miner** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 2:14 pm

Has anyone ever tried to make one of these out of a BBI or 21C sherman? Kinda like the one labeled "M4A3" on this page

http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/ ... n/M-4.html

Although I'm know very little about the Shermans, I'm assuming this page has them labeled wrong. I see alot of differences between teh models out and these guys, but I'm wondering how hard a conversion this would be.

ostketten · Post by **ostketten** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 3:59 pm

The one you are referring to is the M4A3E8 model, the so-called "easy eight" originally equipped with the high velocity long barreled 76mm gun with the muzzle brake, and this Israeli version has a 105mm gun, and I suppose the Israelis simply left off the US Army designation "E8". My guess is a conversion like that would be fairly difficult, with some pretty intense scratch building involved, due to the longer cannon barrel and muzzle brake, plus the gun mantlet is totally different from the short barreled Shermans. There could be other significant differences as well from a conversion point of view, but I would need to study some good pics of the E8 model before coming to any conclusions in that regard. Hope this helps some.

Morian Miner · Post by **Morian Miner** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:17 pm

Actually, what I'm most interested in is a way to convert the hull to have the rounded edges. Also seems like the forward face of the tank is quite different than the 21C or BBi models. The turrent and gun I see as an easy conversion, that hull looks like a bugger.

But, thanks for the help.

grockwood · Post by **grockwood** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:33 pm

The first Sherman pictured is the same model has the BBI Sherman. The second Sherman pictured is not an E8. It is a M4A1 76mm . The E8 designated the wider suspension unit HVSS. The 21st Sherman could be made into an early model M4A1 hull with a lot of back filling and sanding . I did it once in 1/76 scale model. many years ago If you want to make a latter M4A1 like the 76mm version, you need the larger drivers hatches from the BBI Sherman. added to the 21st Sherman's modified hull.

ostketten · Post by **ostketten** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 4:35 am

The second Sherman pictured is not an E8

My mistake, my appraisal was based on the appearance of the gun mantlet which looks similar to that on the easy eight.

grockwood · Post by **grockwood** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:48 am

There are many variations of the Sherman. I have been a fan since I saw a Jumbo Sherman on display as a kid many years ago. A quick and probbaly incomplete guide follows:

M4 Basic Sherman with welded hull 75mm gun and radial engine This is the 21st Century model.
M4 105mm The 105 howitzer version. Used the new 47 degree hull
M4 Hybrid basic Sherman wih a cast hull front and welded rear hull
Used by Marines and UK forces turned them into 17 lb Fireflys
M4A1 same as basic M4 but with a cast hull
M4A1 76mm later cast hull with the large drivers hatches and the T23 turret that mounted the 76mm gun
M4A1E8 76mm as above but with the E8 or Easy Eight suspension . Didn't see WWII combat.
M4A2 Twin GMC Diese powered 75mm . Minor differences in upper rear hull and rear hull doors. Usedby Marines, Commeanwealth forces and the Soviets. Comes in 45 degree front and 47 degree front plate. Not believed to have had wet storage.
M4A2 76mm Diesel with 76mm on the 47 degree hull. Used by Commean wealth forces and Soviets.
M4A2E8 76mm Same as above with easy eight suspension. Commean wealth and Soviet forces.
M4A3 welded hull with newr style 75 mm turret and Ford V8 engine. Original hull was 45 degree but later 47 degree issied. Became the primary version used by U.S. Army. and was also used by U.S. Marines . 47 degrre hull had wet storage.
M4A3E2 Jumbo, welded hull with additional armour added to front and sides. Extra thick casted T23 turret with thicker mantlet. Armed with the 75mm and considered an assualt tank. Many was later upgunned in the field to the 76mm.
M4A3 105mm Howitzer mounted in he newer style 75mm turret. This is the BBI Sherman.
M4A3E8 105mm Howitzer tank with easy eight suspension. Used in Korea by US Army.
M4A3 76mm 47 Degree hull with T23 76mm turret. Used by US from Fall of 1944.
M4A3E8 76mm. 47 degree hull, T23 76mm turret, easy eight suspension. When people think easy eight Sherman this is the one they picture. Issued late Fall of 44, used in Korea.
M4A4 Welded streached hull with 75mm turret. Powered by 5 Chrysler engines connected together refered to as a multibank. Used by Commean wealth forces. The version used to create the 17 lb VC Firefly Sherman.

Not a complete guide, there is alos a M4A6, but hopefully It will help identifing Shermans you come across.

Morian Miner · Post by **Morian Miner** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 11:03 am

Backfilling and sanding, but can be done? That's good to know. I'll have to give it a try.

Thanks for the info.

grockwood · Post by **grockwood** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:54 pm

It can be done. Of course it would work best on the plastic hulled version. You could fill in the areas on the inside with a putty or glue thick pieces of plastic inside. You would have to cut off any detail in the areas to be sanded and then glue them back on when you are done. This would be a messy conversion with all the sanding required. I would like to attempt it but I live in a small apartment and don't have a place for the mess. I have been working on inclosing the bottom of the rear bustle on the turret and that liitle project has created lots of sanding dust.