Codename: Sherman 2016 - 3pc Differential Housing Conversion 210122

[ultravanillasmurf]

Quick précis: because (*).
* - HHGG reference

Don't understand sorry.

Don't Panic!

[ultravanillasmurf]

...so nothing too major. Well that's OK.  I thought it was something noticeable

It's major. It changed the shape of the front upper cast hull.

To see what is being discussed have a look here.
http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/hoods_hatches/hoods_hatches.html

[EarlyWarGamer]

Thanks for that link Ultra. I am not nearly as well versed in US vehicles as I am in German, Polish and Japanese. That was an illuminating site, and I better appreciate now the issues.

[Rubicon Models]

We always have multiple hulls for each M4 variants, it is just a matter of priority on how drawings are being done!
We always put whatever is valid and with whatever parts on-hand (no matter it is common or rare) to show our progress.
We always take comments seriously.  The M4A1 small hatch is a valid build and so is M4A1 large hatch...



Enjoy!

[Tracks]

We always have multiple hulls for each M4 variants, it is just a matter of priority on how drawings are being done!
We always put whatever is valid and with whatever parts on-hand (no matter it is common or rare) to show our progress.
We always take comments seriously.  The M4A1 small hatch is a valid build and so is M4A1 large hatch...

To quote Oddball from Kelly's Heroes, Crazy… I mean like, so many positive waves… maybe we can’t lose, you’re on!

With no DVP


With DVP


Its a beautiful thing! 

[H0ffmn]

That's a nice looking 3D drawing. I have two suggestions, though. The driver and co-driver's hatch should not have the guards over the periscope, those weren't put on Shermans until later in 1943. Also, the armor over and behind the hull mg mount should be thicker and wider than what is shown.
I'm glad that you guys are going forward with the early dv M4A1 hull option. Not that I won't be buying the later M4A1 small hatch hull, I definitely will, but it will be great to have options to cover the entire course of the conflict

[ultravanillasmurf]

Neat job on the DVP..

I would assume there will be multiple hatches with and without periscopes (and guards).

[H0ffmn]

Another observation, the rear hull has the cut out/channel on the top rear  of it. This cut out was typical of upper hulls cast and manufactured by General Steel. General Steel did not produce any cast hulls with direct vision ports.
This is from Sherman Minutia, under small hatch production variants, under the Pressed Steel Car section, about half way down the page.

[elias.tibbs]

Does that mean we may also see the small hatch M4A3 at some point too?

[Pinky]

I would assume there will be multiple hatches with and without periscopes (and guards).

Not necessarily.  This detail was missed on the M4A2, which should also have both types of hatch.

[Tracks]

I would assume there will be multiple hatches with and without periscopes (and guards).

Not necessarily.  This detail was missed on the M4A2, which should also have both types of hatch.

I've noticed that too, and I haven't built my M4A2 kit yet. For me its more a gaming model than a diorama model, so little things like this do not bother me. I would rather see a very good Rubicon plastic model kit with a few overlooked details than none at all.

[Pinky]

It didn't bother me that much either, but it means my Sherman IIIs are not quite accurate as 1943-era vehicles.

[Tracks]

It didn't bother me that much either, but it means my Sherman IIIs are not quite accurate as 1943-era vehicles.

No worries Pinky, because most miniature gamers will not even notice this little detail.
If anyone does notice and makes a big deal out of it, then be very worried about them.

[ripley]

The periscopes are easy to make , its soldering that very thin wire to make the guards that drives you mental

[Tracks]

The periscopes are easy to make , its soldering that very thin wire to make the guards that drives you mental

I passed that point years ago.