SPA Modeler

A new year, a new project is begun. I’m building Academy’s 1/35 M51 Sherman. For those not familiar with the type, this was probably the ultimate development of any Sherman. The Israelis started with 76mm gunned M4A1E8s, replaced the gas radial engine with a Cummins Diesel engine, then modified the turret to accept a French made 105mm main gun. These tanks saw combat in IDF hands in the 1967 and 1973 wars where they faced off against T-54/55s, T-62s, M47s/M48s, and Centurions among other types. And the upgunned Shermans were able to help win the battles.

Anyways, this is Academy’s 90’s vintage kit that I’ll be building OOB, except for adding some stowage.



Today I completed the first couple of steps, assembling the HVSS suspension, and adding the return rollers to the lower hull sides



the biggest time killer was mold seam line clean up, and dinging up the idler and road wheel tires…



Hopefully this should move along at a quick pace now…

Looks like a nice project. Hadn't heard of the super sherman sounds like nice upgrades. Look at all those road wheels

Thanks John. Yeah, this sucker has a LOT of road wheels... and return rollers too.. That's why I think this will move along more quickly now... hopefully?

- Kari

Ah... a Sherman tank. This should be good.

Will be very interesting to watch this one

It's "The Sherman-ator"!
That is cool.

KSaarni wrote:

- Kari

Enjoy the show Kari

BlackSheep214 wrote:Ah... a Sherman tank. This should be good.

Tom, that is the intent here!

Floki wrote:Will be very interesting to watch this one

Clint, I do hope to make it so!

LyleW wrote:It's "The Sherman-ator"!
That is cool.

Shermanator…. I like that!

Very cool looking tank,I did the Tamiya version some time sgo.

It is indeed a beast looking tank with that massive main gun on a comparatively small hull. I don’t recall seeing your Tamiya M51 Tony. How long ago did you build that one? I’ve heard at AMPS that the Tamiya offering is a better kit. (Surprise surprise ) This kit has some play in the fit or placement of parts.