Codename: Sherman 2016 - 3pc Differential Housing Conversion 210122

[Pinky]

The image and quote are reversed, but it provides further proof that Rubicon's upcoming M4A1 would be a very rare vehicle, released the way it has been shown on the forum.
 Rubicon,  I know that you've posted that you have additional versions of the M4A1 planned for release, but does that include the early M4A1 hull with the direct vision slots??

There's no doubt about this.  We just have to hope they went back to the drawing board on the M4A1.

[Tracks]

The image and quote are reversed, but it provides further proof that Rubicon's upcoming M4A1 would be a very rare vehicle, released the way it has been shown on the forum.

Rubicon,  I know that you've posted that you have additional versions of the M4A1 planned for release, but does that include the early M4A1 hull with the direct vision slots??

That is a great picture. Three M4A1s with the older hull (direct vision) and one with a newer hull, but all four have the older M3 bogie sets! I agree with everyone that it is possible for the combination, but it would be a rare beast indeed!

It would be great if Rubicon can figure out how to issue the kit with the option to have or not have the direct vision ports. Would it be asking too much for both the older and newer bogie sets? After all, the M4A3 kit gave you the option for three different bogie sets!!!

[ultravanillasmurf]

It would be great if Rubicon can figure out how to issue the kit with the option to have or not have the direct vision ports. Would it be asking too much for both the older and newer bogie sets? After all, the M4A3 kit gave you the option for three different bogie sets!!!

There is only one turret in the 76mm kits and the M4A3 has everything on large sprues.







I assume the current plan has the M3 bogie set replacing sprue A.

[H0ffmn]

I am hoping that Rubicon could give us a definitive answer as to their plans for the components that will make up their upcoming M4A1 kit.

[Pinky]

First they have to be convinced that their research is wrong.  Then it's case of how far advanced the project is - if they're too far down the track it's hard to modify the kit.  The thing is that this point was discussed at an early stage (before the Sherman project got underway).

[ripley]

Never say never n the weird world of Shermans . here's a M4A1 small hatch hybrid , ( late as no vision port , but early before large hull hatches ) only 50 made according to the guys on Missing Lynx

Might  be a do able conversion , just need a M4 and M4A1 to cut up

[Pinky]

It's not a case of "never", but a case of "hardly ever".

[ultravanillasmurf]

First they have to be convinced that their research is wrong.  Then it's case of how far advanced the project is - if they're too far down the track it's hard to modify the kit.  The thing is that this point was discussed at an early stage (before the Sherman project got underway).

My thoughts are (and Our Gracious Hosts can correct me) is that they are convinced, and it is your second point that is occupying their time at the moment.

From my limited knowledge, they would have the following options depending upon how far advanced the tooling is.

If the tooling is still virtual, then we have to wait and see if they do the direct vision hull or drop the M3 bogie sprue.

If the tooling is cut then:
Behave in an un-Rubicon manner and bluff it out.
Keep the hull and either drop the M3 bogie from the kit and replace with existing sprue A or add sprue A to the box (the M3 bogie sprue could be combined with an earlier hull at a later date - possibly in resin).

[Tracks]

Or Rubicon might just drop the M4A1 project altogether and move onto something else. If they are to the point where they could not fix what is wrong, instead of throwing more time and money on the project, they just might start something new instead.

If its not too late, maybe they can just change the hull to fit the older model of M4A1. Not sure if its even possible to even make the hull so it can be either the older or newer version. The latter could get messy.

[Rubicon Models]

Seems like there is a lot of concerns about us making the wrong M4A1 lately.  Think this is a good thing because everyone here is very serious about what we did.  As you all understand from our past projects, we usually would put together whatever components we had designed to do a mockup of a vehicle, in this case, a valid small hatch M4A1.  That does not mean we are going to release one (small hatch with early boggie) "as is".  The M4A1 is nowhere near completion... probably less than a quarter is done; this is why we don't even have a 3D printed prototype yet.

Currently, we are really busy with getting all the Q3 & Q4 releases ready and we just don't have the time to work on the M4A1, that's also one of the reasons why we don't have any updates on the project.  Hopefully, this will change soon!

[Tracks]

So plenty of time to get things all figured out and fixed up.

[jamesvalentine]

Certainly not my favourite shape of sherman. But I'd gladly buy one.
I don't really get what is wrong with it as I don't know 90% of the stuff people are on about.
I just wanna paint toy tanks.

[ultravanillasmurf]

I don't really get what is wrong with it as I don't know 90% of the stuff people are on about.

Quick précis: because (*).

In slightly more detail, the initial batch of M4A1 tanks had M3 style bogies with central return rollers and vision slits n the hoods over the driver and co-driver. Rubicon's current work in progress model has M3 bogies but no vision slits, a set up that only matches a few examples, hence the discussion.

* - HHGG reference.

[jamesvalentine]

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

Don't understand sorry.

In slightly more detail, the initial batch of M4A1 tanks had M3 style bogies with central return rollers and vision slits n the hoods over the driver and co-driver. Rubicon's current work in progress model has M3 bogies but no vision slits, a set up that only matches a few examples, hence the discussion.

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

[H0ffmn]

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