Codename: Sherman 2016 - 3pc Differential Housing Conversion 210122

[Pinky]

I'm very pleased to see this hull is in the works.  It means we're one step closer to a Hybrid Firefly.

I remember trying to convert a Hybrid hull from the old 1/72 scale ESCI M4A1 'large hatch' hull.  It did not go well...

[Rubicon Models]

I'm very pleased to see this hull is in the works.  It means we're one step closer to a Hybrid Firefly.

To us, it is not only a Hybrid Firefly, but eventually a complete M4A1 hull.

I remember trying to convert a Hybrid hull from the old 1/72 scale ESCI M4A1 'large hatch' hull.  It did not go well...

The drawing you see here is already our 3rd version.  This is extremely difficult to draw even with all the reference blueprints, line drawings, and reference images on hand.

[Rubicon Models]

These was supposed to be posted earlier, but Photobucket had an upload issue...
Anyway, here it is - two version of the M4 Hybrid!





Enjoy!

[Rubicon Models]

It is difficult to see the "curves" of the hull with line drawings,
here is a rendered image of the Firefly IC for your review.



Enjoy!

[Pinky]

Looks great!  For some reason, this is the best looking Firefly, and probably one of my favourite Sherman types - even though the hybrid hull seems like a bit of a stupid idea.

[ultravanillasmurf]

Looks good.

The appliqué on the other side is more complicated as it is across the join.

The reasons for the hybrid sort of makes sense, the casting was quicker than the complicated welded front (the fully cast hull was even quicker but required larger casting facilities).

Of course the large hatch welded hull was a lot easier to make.

[Rubicon Models]

@UVS - more images on the Sherman I Hybrid Firefly to answer your question!





Enjoy!

[ultravanillasmurf]

Excellent

[H0ffmn]

On your 3D drawing of the M4 composite Sherman, you show different parts color coded. On the track units,you have the track pads around the front sprocket a different  color than the rest of the track unit. Does this signify that it is a seperate piece,having detail on the front of the track,as opposed  to no detail,as in a one piece continuous track unit?

[Pinky]

I wondered the same thing as Hoffman, but I'm guessing the track design is the same as the M4A3's, with slide-moulded detail on the front of the tracks but not the back.

[Rubicon Models]

On your 3D drawing of the M4 composite Sherman, you show different parts color coded. On the track units,you have the track pads around the front sprocket a different  color than the rest of the track unit. Does this signify that it is a seperate piece,having detail on the front of the track,as opposed  to no detail,as in a one piece continuous track unit?

The part is an one piece track with details on the front but not the rear.
Other coloured parts, in most cases, indicate a separate component.

[Rubicon Models]

This is the US standard version with 75mm turret:



Enjoy!

[Pinky]

All good - this range is really taking shape.  Hopefully there'll be a Jumbo soon.

It would be worth trying to address the point UVS made about the hull appliqué armour having additional components.  [Edit - whoops, wrong version.  Ignore this]

[ultravanillasmurf]

It would be worth trying to address the point UVS made about the hull appliqué armour having additional components.

Does this relate to the hybrid? The other side picture shows the join running through the appliqué in a similar manner to the photographs of the real thing (only on the right side of the hull, the left side is a one piece plate as shown).

When Rubicon gets to the M4A1, the appliqué goes all crazy paving.

[Pinky]

You're right - I was thinking of the M4A1.  This one looks fine.