Sherman M4A1 76W Duel of Tanks, Cologne

[Marco1965]

The "Cologne Tank Duel" (March 06, 1945) caught my attention the first time I watched the video in you tube, surreal, impactful.  Back then I decided to assemble the three tanks involved in the event: the Panther, the Sherman and the Pershing.  This is my first one, the Sherman commanded by Liut. Kellner that was hit by the Panther hidden in the train station near the Cologne Cathedral.   I did want to represent the Sherman short time before actually being hit by two 75mm shells, when it had come to a stop due to debris blosking Komödienstrasse (ironically, "the street of comedy" or similar), waiting for a bulldozer to clean the way.  I used the Dragon Sherman M4A1 (76mm)W "Operation Cobra" 1/35, Soga US Infantryman figure, two Tamiya torsos and 1 Alpine head for the commander, and some resin and cardboard boxes to put on the tank.  The rest is scratch built (cobblestone street, brick wall, copper roof, debris, etc.), the complete process is described in the "Work in progress" section.  Some improvements were made to the Sherman as well, like correct antennas, fuel caps position, backdating to a ventless turret early version (not much to be seen under the canvas and backpacks).  Had some issues regarding references, as the angle seen in the reference picture below, is the only angle available of the tank, so the right front side is your best guess, tried to do my best.  As I knew the Division/regiment/company it belonged to, and the makings were standard, I applied those marking in the front and back as seen in other Shermans that day.  Numbers, or what can be seen, are spurious.

   Picture extracted from the film that I used as reference, the Sherman to the right is the one I tried to replicate

 

My tank inserted into the scene, forgive my poor skills managing images, no photoshop.

 

And the results.

 

 

 

 

I wanted to show the commander and loader as seen in other reference pictures in Cologne, the gunner is almost completely hidden under the clamshell doors of his hatch, keeping them open by pushing them up with his head, and the commander is barely peeping outside not risking exposing himself too much.

 

 

 

 

Something like this must have been what the Panther saw, with higher debris hiding all but the Sherman´s turret.

 

The use of colored aerial ID canvas was a nice touch of color for the diorama, chose the bright red one as it was the only one I could find references for, but could have been yellow, or light blue as far as I know.

 

 

Next comes the Pershing, and I am disappointed not being able to assemble the Cologne Panther, as I could not find any references at all about its marking, paint scheme, etc, and I and not willingly to assemble a what-if.  

 

marco

[Buzby061]

A very effective dio.

 

Pete

[ErikT]

Beautiful!  I really look forward to the rest of your project.

[Maddoxx77]

What a great diorama! I love your attention to detail. 

[Marco1965]

6 minutes ago, ErikT said:

Beautiful!  I really look forward to the rest of your project.

Thank you, Erik.  I will start the Pershing soon (Dragon T-26E3), there are several pictures showing “Eagle 7” in Cologne so There is enough information available  to assemble an historically accurate subject. 
 

Marco

[Muchmirth]

Very, very well done. Tank and diorama both look great.

[Yg Models]

great diorama 😍

[ThreatLvlMidafternoon]

Outstanding work! Feeling inspired to try out a dio for myself

[Nenad Ilijic]

First class work. 

[Sergas]

Really like the Diorama. The Panther getting knocked out at the Koelner Dom is probably one of the most iconic images of World War 2.

 

superb work

 

cheers

David

[Marco1965]

13 hours ago, Sergas said:

Really like the Diorama. The Panther getting knocked out at the Koelner Dom is probably one of the most iconic images of World War 2.

 

superb work

 

cheers

David

Thanks David.  I have watched that video endless times, specially the digitally stabilized version.  If I ever find at least the confirmed number of the Panther, I’ll  assemble it.

 

marco

[Tom W.]

I just love black and white photos and your scene against the destroyed city looks like the real thing. Very good model and the rest of the environment - good job.