Rubicon Models > Work In Progress

Codename: Sherman 2016 - 3pc Differential Housing Conversion 210122

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Rubicon Models:
There had been a lot of discussions about the M4 Sherman in this forum, particularly with her long list of variants.  Most members in the forum know we had been on-and-off updating our technical drawings of our existing M4A3 kit whenever new information is available.  The action stopped short of an update plastic kit because we needed to sell enough to make the money back for the original moulds.  These continuous updates is meant for future use when we have the chance to create more M4 variants and using that opportunity to update the existing M4A3 kit as well.

We are still not to the point where we are breaking-even on the M4A3 moulds, but it is soon on the horizon!  It is also time to start a new M4 project.  Before doing so, we would like to get some feedback from forum members as to what is best for the community in terms of usefulness for gaming and modeling.  Here is a breakdown on what is being produced historically:

M4 / 6,784 produced / Jul 42 – Jan 44
M4(105) / 6,281 produced / Feb 42 – Dec 43

M4A1(76)W / 3,246 produced / Jan 44 – Jul 45

M4A2 / 8,053 produced / Apr 42 – May 44
M4A2(76)W / 2,915 produced / Apr 44 – May 45

M4A3 / 1,690 produced / Jun 42 – Sep 43
M4A3(105) / 500 produced / May 44 – Jun 45
M4A3(75)W / 3,071 produced / Feb 44 – Mar 45
M4A3(76)W / 254 produced / Jun 44 – Jul 44

M4A3E8(76) / 3,142 produced / Aug 44
M4A3E8(105) / 2,539 produced / Sep 44

M4A4 / 7,499 produced / Jul 42 – Nov 43

M4A6 / 75 produced / Oct 43 – Feb 44

Basically, all M4 shared two basic turrets (with some variants) and three guns (75 / 76 / 105).  It was extensively supplied through Lend-Lease to Britain, the Soviet Union and the Free French.  Britain received 17,287 Shermans of various models. The Soviet Union received 4,035 M4A2 Shermans. The Free French was the third largest recipient, taking 657 Shermans 1943-1944. 57 Shermans were delivered to other nations.

We would like some comments as to what is the best variant to do next?  Of course, we have some ideas, but more input are welcome!


NOTE: This list is not meant to be "the" complete listing, just an indication on what had been produced during the time period.

;)

ripley:
That's going to take some thinking . IRC the M4A4 was mostly issued as Lend Lease , while the A3 was a US only issue .But IRC the UK did get some 105 gunned A3slate in the war . The USSR got A2s , about 2000 each of the 75mm and 76mm gun types . A M4A1 composite kit would probably be popular with both US and UK tank fans if you included Firefly parts

H0ffmn:
Your list is missing the first model of Sherman tank to be manufactured, sent via Lend Lease to the U.K., and to equip the U.S. armored divisions, the M4A1 Sherman with the 75mm gun.

Pinky:
There's also the M4A3E2 "Jumbo" - 254 manufactured from May to July 1944.  Not numerically significant, but effective in its intended role as a heavy assault tank.  It's a useful vehicle for wargamers and an interesting modelling subject.  The existing M4A3 hull would only require additional side and front plates to replicate the Jumbo's heavier armour.  But it would need a new turret and tracks with extended end connectors.  This would probably be my first choice for the next Rubicon Sherman.  The downside would be that there is little scope for options - other than providing both the 75mm and 76mm guns.

My other choices would be:

Composite (late) M4 with parts to build Sherman Ic Hybrid Firefly.  I think the Firefly is the coolest looking Sherman, and the Hybrid variant was the coolest looking Firefly.  The basic Composite M4 saw service with the Allies in Normandy and with the US Army in the Pacific, but admittedly not in large numbers.  In that regard it's perhaps a less useful kit.

M4A3E8.  Arguably the best looking Sherman, and also likely to appeal to both modellers and wargamers.  The drawback would be that, again, there aren't any significant variants apart from the 105mm version - although the kit could potentially include a set of sandbag armour.

H0ffmn:
My vote would be for the M4A1 Sherman with the earlier small hatch cast hull and 75mm gun. It would work for early war thru late war for the U.S. and U.K. But honestly , you could make a early welded hull, include a choice of plates for engine access hatches, like you did with your M-10/M-36 kit,a choice of rear hull plates and exausts,and a few choices for front upper glasius sections, and you could have one kit that could make either a early M4 dv hull, a M4, a early M4A2dv hull and a M4A2. That should satisfy everyones needs be it either U.S. Army, U.S.M.C, British, French and Soviet. Of course you could include additional parts for a Firefly.
I know that Warlord has a M4 already, but NOT with any options but for a M4.

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