Peter Browne

Brilliant build, painting and nice appropriate weathering. Looking forward to seeing more builds!

This is an interesting and pretty helpful video on Taska/Asuka bogies from the M1A1 Late "Fay", which shows pretty nice detail, including the gudgeon pins. Also good procedure and tips on assembling the bogies! The bogie here seems to be a type 2C-2 intermediate raised roller - (keeping with an artificial and unofficial generic bogie classification type in my previous post...). You can see the two bumps above the gudgeon block and IMO fairly nice gudgeon pin 'fasteners' with holes. Of course the mouldings may vary with kits, but these look pretty good IMO. Some nice assembly diagrams also at: https://www.theshermantank.com/about/sherman-suspension-and-tracks-the-page-an-easy-to-find-place-for-sherman-suspension-info/the-vertical-volute-suspension-page-both-early-and-late-vvss-will-be-covered/ Peter

For those who want to see US Marine Wading stack adapters added to the new Asuka M4A2 Late (#35050) still in design, or as a separate addon (which would make more sense for multiple US Marine Sherman kits), you may want to add to the current requests at https://www.facebook.com/asukamoderu M1 and M1A1 Dozer kit would also be a plus!

@Kingsman Peter, yes, I thought there would be variations in practice, though as you say, the piece is useful for general categorization of types for modellers, and of course I'm still learning! PDF on the way. Peter

I'm certainly still learning about Sherman things but according to the reference below, both bogies are of the type 2, but different variations. Which MAY account for the different gudgeon pin fasteners. The one on the right is a type 2B with production release skid: The one on the left is a type 2C-1 Intermediate standard with the three 'bumps' above the gudgeon block. Though the return roller is the raised type in that example, so that portion IMO corresponds to a type 2C-2 illustrated at the bottom. Note that according to this reference, the type 2C-2 intermediate raised roller has only two bumps above the gudgeon block. The type 2C bogies are beefed up heavy duty bogies with heavier volute springs, and "the levers, the suspension arms and the gudgeon pin attachment points were all beefed and revised on this type of bogie" Reference: The Sherman Tank: A Fragmented Look. Part 4: Sherman Suspension System. Pete Harlem. Military Miniatures in Review. No.9 Summer 2009. I'm sure @Kingsman will be adding to this...

@Kingsman Zvevda M4A3 (76)W (3676) isn't generally available in Oz (not even listed in the Australian distributor's website), and eBay prices + shipping (Kazakhstan!) are about the same as Asuka kits direct from the Asuka store in Japan (with fast FedEx delivery). Also I would need a turret adapter ring for the TMD 105 turret, as the turret is made to fit Tasca/Asuka 35019 according to TMD. The aiming posts bring back memories as a reserve lieutenant in artillery in the 80's (godly heights of section commander...that's 3 guns - 2/15 Field Regt with M2A2 in Melbourne - but also a brief time with 10 Medium Regt in Geelong using 5.5 inch guns (charge bags straight into the chamber - embedded RAEME section was kept busy manufacturing parts - mostly for the breach mechanisms), so under the cobwebs I know a bit about gun laying and aiming posts. Unless setting up a diorama for guns in a ranged shoot, then from what you are saying Peter, the aiming posts would not be invisible (being inside the vehicle).

Asuka 1/35 USMC M4A2 (75) “Caesar” #35050 update. Looks like it's still in design stage. So have pleaded to have wading stack exhaust and air intake adaptors added to the kit design, which Marine vehicles always seem to have retained after landing.

Yes. The TMD 105 Late complete turret was made for the Taska (Now Asuka) 35-019 which I have ordered for this build. Too many future builds, but that's what makes this such an interesting hobby Btw, re ranging stakes, what would be appropriate?

@Kingsman thanks. So a late 105 turret. It's a pity that the images on the TMD site for the 105 turret seem to be enlarged from thumbnail size, making them quite blurry. So it's hard to tell what the vision commander's hatch looks like. Apparently all hatches, mantle, rotor, gun tube and detail set etc are included. So good value. https://tigermodeldesigns.com/ols/products/m4-series-late-105-mm-turret-complete-turret There is a constructed model of a M4A3E8 (HVSS) 105 (Korea) with the TMD 105 turret at: https://archive.armorama.com/forums/263607/index.htm Which looks great. I might just go for it while it's available.

@Kingsman I got a reply from Joe Bakanovic from Tiger Model Designs (TMD) regarding wading trunks/stacks and the 105 mantle. He says he never had a mould for the wading trunks and won't be producing one now that TMD are closing on 31 Dec. Do you know what's going to happen to his stocks? Regarding the mantle, Joe states: https://tigermodeldesigns.com/ols/products/m4-post-ww2-105mm-replacement-mantle-for-dml

Thanks @Kingsman Actually, tonight I received Steve Munsell's (Value Gear) resin set for the Asuka 'Jungle Jim' M4A2 (AS-002S), which is now OOP and impossible to find. The set includes the exhaust and intake connections for the stacks, but no stacks (I don't want the full stacks...). Though the casting could be better for those parts, they are workable I think with a bit of clean-up. Steve kindly sent this resin set to me as leftovers from supplying Asuka with the Jungle Jim wading bits, side wooden 'splinter' panels, beams for the glacis, and a bag of bits including nice bags and haversacks etc. At least I have these to work on Jim - just need to source the Bison decals (35018). I have asked TMD and Resicast if they would make the US marine wading sets (with or without full stacks) for M4A2 and M4A3. We'll see. Anyone else I could ask? Maybe Shapeways designers. I suspected the Tamiya kit was not going to be good. I'll check out the Zvezda option. I know TMD have 105 turrets (early and late) to go with the Asuka M4A3 (76) 35-019. https://tigermodeldesigns.com/ols/products/m4-series-late-105-mm-turret-complete-turret https://tasca-shop.ocnk.net/product/87 But I can't see a 105 mantlet on TMD... Would the late 105 turret be accurate for No 3 (I assume the same as No 2 in the other photo) at Okinawa in the above photo? I assume the ranging stakes are these: https://tigermodeldesigns.com/ols/products/m4-series-105-mm-cleaning-rods-and-aiming-stakes-in-canvas-bag Panzer Art do a 105 mantlet and aluminium barrel, but I don't know if it would fit. https://www.scalemates.com/kits/panzer-art-gb35-054-sherman-105-mantlets-with-m4-howitzer--1382500

Another question (doing my best to legitimatise the superthread status...). Sherman M4A3 105. From what I've read (e.g. this review), neither the Dragon 6354 (HVSS) nor the Academy 13207 (HVSS) kits are correct 'enough' (and the question of whether the word 'enough' is even in the Sherman builders' vocabulary). Opinions? Of interest for a future build is this Okinawa M4A3 (VVSS) 105 in a largely uncontested advance along a coastal route by the 6th Marine Tank Bn, April 1945: Though, again, the remnants of the wading gear are difficult to source. Also the decals don't seem to be available for this vehicle. Though Star Decals (#35897) have the vehicle depicted below (with T49 tracks?), also from the 6th Marine Tank Bn, in Naga, Okinawa: 🙂 Wading gear, sigh... And a 1/35 M4A3 105 VVSS kit? Tamiya? Sigh... Perhaps replacement roadwheels. Or TDM upgrades? I don't think Asuka make a 105... BTW what are the horizontal rails on the outside of the suspension?

What are options for wading stacks for a M4A2 USMC (not the drum kind)? Just need the parts that fit to exhaust and air intake, i.e. the stacks having been detached. I could buy the old Academy kit 13203 just for those parts (all on the J sprue), but that would be sort of wasteful (>AU$100 from UK on eBay) This is to fit Asuka AS-002. Such a iconic piece of equipment for Shermans and no current suppliers? There was the Tank Workshop set... Now TDM - But I don't see this in the Tiger Model Designs offerings It would be great if we could just buy these sets to depict either full or detached stacks...how about asking TDM as I have?

@Kingsman My Firefly build is a bit slow, due to limited time on weekends and being treated for Candida GI overgrowth which is nasty, painful, brain fogging crap... Anyway, rant over. I have gone past the rear stage of the build now, but always useful to get more detailed info on the whys and 'whyfors' for the next Firefly build (I have a few RFM VCs...such nice kits!). The pic below from Sherman Minutia site, shows the top vertical towing support, but not the bottom vertical towing support. I guess it was removed at some stage, which is interesting. Possibly along with the top of the right vertical wading trunk side bracket, if that what the lower vertical strip is in the red rectangle...

@Kingsman The vertical towing supports on this vehicle: This is the Bovington tank. Why did that vehicle have those supports?

@Kingsman Great photos, thanks. What is the horizontal box with cable above the smoke candle holders?

@Kingsman Thanks for the detailed info on the Firefly. Regarding the smoke candle holders position, RFM have this on bottom of the right access door. Like the one below. I'm not sure how this could be located higher with the horizontal tow bar... Regarding the book, I've bought it on the understanding it was an original 1978 version, as indicated on the face plate and looks on the cover slip. Being described as a one in one thousand copy was a slight plus, but I was curious as whether that attribute rendered anything else in terms of content. I guess I'll find out either way!

@Kingsman Regarding the rear towing hooks in the photo below, are these the 'normal' hooks for VC Fireflies, or are the 'U' shape cleats?

Can someone ID these vehicles?

Thanks Peter. I thought this was just an airfield refueler. So these were used to truck fuel to Army units? Any pics?

What would be an appropriate kit in 1/35 to model a US Army fuel tanker in the Red Ball Express? Would this be the Hobby Boss GMC CCKW 750 gallon Tanker kit #83830 - I suspect not as it's an airfield tanker...? http://www.hobbyboss.com/index.php?g=home&m=product&a=show&id=140&l=en

I have an opportunity to purchase the 1978 limited edition (1000 copies) of Hunnicutt's book "Sherman: A History of the American Medium Tank" at a good price (approx. AU$150 + shipping) and in fine condition. Does the limited edition provide any additional information or photographs? I have heard that the first edition has better printing and resolution of photographs.

RedDog look good. Thanks. Anyone buy (or make) wooden display bases (finished with varnish and plain decorative edge) ? In particular in Oz? Just to avoid handling finished AFVs. Looking at dark wood, ideally Jarrah.

@Kingsman Perhaps this one. I think you are correct Peter. I don't have the part with me to orientate, but it looks like that whole pointy section (looking from the outside, up to the diagonal overlap past the hole) is removed. And these: http://www.primeportal.net/tanks/robert_de_craecker/m4a4_sherman_vc_17pdr/

Thanks Peter. I haven't made the cuts yet. Any possibility of photos?