Author Topic: Another converted Sherman (Read 26604 times)

Kerick · « **on:** August 04, 2015, 10:54:03 AM »

Inspired by Claymore's UCV on the extended service life GB, I'm embarking on an ambitious conversion of an Israeli M51 to a 25mm armed Urban Combat Vehicle. Here is the group pic of donors/victim kits. All but the M51 were in the stash already.

Concept is a insurgent war with fighting in city streets where modern tanks are too much firepower yet something tougher than a Bradley is required. A couple of retired Shermans are pulled out of museums and fitted with Bradley turrets and extra armor for field expedient testing. Claymore does a better job of laying out the details than me. http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=2276.675

I'll do my version a little different. I'll keep the Bradley turret intact with perhaps the addition of ERA. The Sherman hull will get belly armor, additional glacis armor, extra side armor from the Bradley and ERA. Extra protection for the commander and gunner. I'll adapt what I can from the Bradley BUSK mods. Also some sort of mine plow, roller or dozer blade up front. If nothing else an adaptation of the hedgerow cutters into something that will push aside cars and barriers.

I'll try to keep up some progress on this but work is really busy and so is family stuff. When summer slacks off and child #3 goes back to college things might slow down and allow more modeling time. That's what I always say......

Steve Blazo · « **Reply #1 on:** August 04, 2015, 11:00:49 AM »

Lots of good starting material. Will keep a watch on this.

LemonJello · « **Reply #2 on:** August 04, 2015, 08:15:26 PM »

I'll be following this one closely.

Maybe instead of the mine plow/dozer blade, you could go with something like this?

http://armorama.kitmaker.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=20109

Just some food for thought.

Buzzbomb · « **Reply #3 on:** August 04, 2015, 09:38:08 PM »

and a lovely array of stuff it is

Kerick · « **Reply #4 on:** August 05, 2015, 01:14:22 AM »

Quote from: LemonJello on August 04, 2015, 08:15:26 PM

I'll be following this one closely.

Maybe instead of the mine plow/dozer blade, you could go with something like this?

http://armorama.kitmaker.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=20109

Just some food for thought.

And tasty looking food it is! I'll be looking into this. If the kit is expensive it doesn't look to hard to replicate

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #5 on:** August 05, 2015, 03:32:40 AM »

Quote from: LemonJello on August 04, 2015, 08:15:26 PM

I'll be following this one closely.

Ditto

Claymore · « **Reply #6 on:** August 05, 2015, 05:54:37 AM »

You can never have too many Sherman conversion, that's what I say!

I am most honoured that you are taking the concept of the UCV to the next level and thanks again for your support and suggestions during my own build - it was very much appreciated. Your plan sounds great and I am really looking forward to seeing how the project turns out. :)

Kerick · « **Reply #7 on:** August 05, 2015, 09:15:30 AM »

Thanks everyone!
This is my first Sherman build ever plus all the extra stuff so be very patient. Of course some prodding might be helpful once and a while. At least I have the paint plan worked out. I'm going to try the Berlin Brigade urban camo. That should be challenging enough!

Quote from: Claymore on August 05, 2015, 05:54:37 AM

You can never have too many Sherman conversion, that's what I say!

I am most honoured that you are taking the concept of the UCV to the next level and thanks again for your support and suggestions during my own build - it was very much appreciated. Your plan sounds great and I am really looking forward to seeing how the project turns out. :)

After seeing your build progress I just had to try it myself. I will have to employ all my skills to match yours!

Kerick · « **Reply #8 on:** August 10, 2015, 01:43:02 AM »

Raining today so no yard work. Time for a little model building.

Added some V shaped belly armor to help deflect IED blasts.

IMG_1260 by Ken Erickson, on Flickr

Plastic rod glued to the seams to look like welds. I filed the rod down after the glue dried and sanded it with 100 grit paper to look a little more like welds.

IMG_1262 by Ken Erickson, on Flickr

So many wheels...........

IMG_1261 by Ken Erickson, on Flickr

And just getting started on road wheels. Already in a snag about paint colors. Should I paint the area below the fenders olive drab or sand to represent the color of the original vehicle or go Berlin Brigade all over? I'm leaning towards OD. The road wheels will be BB camo except for a couple in OD or sand to represent replaced parts.

I need to hit a model RR shop for some grant line bolts for the add on armor.

Steve Blazo · « **Reply #9 on:** August 10, 2015, 04:49:55 AM »

Rain ? Must be nice, none here in Dallas for 30 days !

The start looks good, am waiting to see the Berlin Brigade camo, always been a favorite of mine.

Kerick · « **Reply #10 on:** August 10, 2015, 05:41:36 AM »

Further research, (looking at tank pictures), has shown that the lower part of the tank in BB camo was left in the standard camo color of the time. Looks like this means OD for the road wheels and lower hull. Unless I go with sand. Crap....

Claymore · « **Reply #11 on:** August 17, 2015, 05:42:28 AM »

Quote from: kerick on August 10, 2015, 05:41:36 AM

Further research, (looking at tank pictures), has shown that the lower part of the tank in BB camo was left in the standard camo color of the time. Looks like this means OD for the road wheels and lower hull. Unless I go with sand. Crap....

Most of the pictures and reference material I have on the Berlin Brigade camo scheme indicate that the road wheels and everything inside the tracks was painted black. That certainly seems the case for the Chieftain and the FV432 variants.

Kerick · « **Reply #12 on:** August 17, 2015, 11:10:09 AM »

The article I read mentioned the British color of the time which was bronze green. Since this is a Sherman I'm going with OD green. Once I buy some fresh paint and try again.

Kerick · « **Reply #13 on:** August 23, 2015, 03:08:39 PM »

Some progress! Bought some fresh Model Master OD #1911. Much better now.

Painting the rubber on the road wheels next. The engine bay hatch from the Bradley should make a nice transmission cover on the Sherman.

Steve Blazo · « **Reply #14 on:** August 24, 2015, 10:32:33 AM »

WOW !! That turret really fits well on the Sherman hull.

Kerick · « **Reply #15 on:** August 24, 2015, 11:38:52 AM »

Finished the new turret ring. Looks better now.
I need to order the bolt heads from Tichytraingroup.com and 0.040 hex rod from Plastruct.

Thanks for the positive comments. Keeps me going on these projects.

ChernayaAkula · « **Reply #16 on:** August 24, 2015, 12:42:04 PM »

Quote from: Steve Blazo on August 24, 2015, 10:32:33 AM

WOW !! That turret really fits well on the Sherman hull.

My thoughts exactly! :)

finsrin · « **Reply #17 on:** August 24, 2015, 12:47:54 PM »

Quote from: ChernayaAkula on August 24, 2015, 12:42:04 PM

Quote from: Steve Blazo on August 24, 2015, 10:32:33 AM
WOW !! That turret really fits well on the Sherman hull.

My thoughts exactly! :)

Nice - sure does :)

Claymore · « **Reply #18 on:** August 27, 2015, 03:23:24 PM »

Coming along nicely and should be a natural mate for the M4A3E8 UCV

Kerick · « **Reply #19 on:** August 28, 2015, 05:40:00 AM »

I need to order hex rod and bolt heads and then I get to play with different shapes of armor panels.

Kerick · « **Reply #20 on:** August 30, 2015, 11:40:34 AM »

Finally past the road wheel stage! If someone invented an automatic road wheel painting machine I would buy it!
I added the track temporarily to make sure I had clearance for the extra side armor. Looks a little like an M113 at this angle.

Here is the Bradley hatch cover taped in place and a new armor panel for the front of the Sherman. Lots of these to go yet.

The hatch cover needs some cutting down to make it look like it belongs there. 2mm strips provided the perfect spacing between the armor panel and the hull. More jigsaw pieces of armor to follow.

finsrin · « **Reply #21 on:** August 30, 2015, 01:44:42 PM »

Sherman build is absolutely on track :)

Kerick · « **Reply #22 on:** August 30, 2015, 03:51:36 PM »

Quote from: finsrin on August 30, 2015, 01:44:42 PM

Sherman build is absolutely on track :)

Well, at least one track! Much work to do.
Thanks

Claymore · « **Reply #23 on:** August 30, 2015, 04:11:36 PM »

Looking good :)

LemonJello · « **Reply #24 on:** August 31, 2015, 08:36:32 PM »

Really coming along nicely. This is going to be awesome when all is said and done. Can't wait for the next update.

Feldmarschall Zod · « **Reply #25 on:** September 02, 2015, 08:24:52 AM »

This is coming along very nicely. :)

Kerick · « **Reply #26 on:** September 04, 2015, 11:15:53 AM »

I ordered the boltheads from Tichy Train Group on 8/31 and they arrived today. And that was "standard" shipping. I ordered product number 8085 and they look like a perfect match for the bolts on the Bradley armor. Price was reasonable too. I'll be using them again!

Kerick · « **Reply #27 on:** September 06, 2015, 03:13:23 PM »

Tried out the bolt heads and they work pretty well. Applied some non slip coating to the upper hull using Rustoleum American Accents Terra Cotta spray paint. Pics will follow as the cell phone battery died.

Kerick · « **Reply #28 on:** September 08, 2015, 11:28:39 AM »

Now for a real update!
Here's the non slip coating applied to the top of the hull.

Here's the top view.

Bolts in place.

This is a box to hold TOW reload rounds. The black is part of a ship base that I cut off at a distance that seemed reasonable to hold several TOW missiles. Plastic sheet was glued to two sides and I sanded the edges flush. I made a hatch with hinges from the Bradley kit and a spring that was rolling around the benchtop. I attached one of the Sherman kit storage boxes and the field phone box to the rear. I may add a Sherman road wheel to the sides later. I need to add some non slip coating to the top of this.

I dithered around about the headlights and such and finally decided to use the modern ones from the Bradley. The kit includes the newer M2A2 units and the original type. I used the original ones and attached them M113 style.

Still a lot to do to get to the painting stage. I have to build the battering ram or mine clearing device yet.

uarkram · « **Reply #29 on:** September 08, 2015, 06:48:06 PM »

I like it, and it looks cool.
Did you have any problems using the textured spray paint? I have never used it before, so I don't know the pitfalls.

LemonJello · « **Reply #30 on:** September 08, 2015, 08:24:15 PM »

Awe inspiring! That terracotta paint is the best. So useful.

The storage box has all the right details. And the bolt heads on the added armor really look good.

Claymore · « **Reply #31 on:** September 09, 2015, 06:48:42 AM »

Coming along very nicely. I haven't come across the terracotta paint before - might have to get some. :)

Kerick · « **Reply #32 on:** September 09, 2015, 09:05:06 AM »

Quote from: uarkram on September 08, 2015, 06:48:06 PM

I like it, and it looks cool.
Did you have any problems using the textured spray paint? I have never used it before, so I don't know the pitfalls.

I can't remember where I first heard about using the terra cotta paint. It might have been Armorama. Its really easy to use. Just mask off where you want it then spray straight from the can. Then paint over it with the regular camo colors. Best if you apply it before you add detail parts. Check photos of your subject. Its meant to go where soldiers would walk on the vehicle. I saw a photo of an LAV where it had been worn through to the metal. The paint is easy to get at hardware and home improvement stores. It might have a different name outside the US.

Kerick · « **Reply #33 on:** September 13, 2015, 02:27:23 PM »

Here is just a few of the pieces I've been finiggling with to put together a battering ram.

End result

Knock, knock. Who's there?

Good place for a couple of road wheels

The ram plastic is gray as the parts came from a ship kit.
I need to finish the details on the turret and see about some BUSK mods.

Claymore · « **Reply #34 on:** September 14, 2015, 02:12:56 PM »

Lookin' mighty fine! :)

Kerick · « **Reply #35 on:** September 15, 2015, 09:32:26 AM »

Claymore, thanks for the comments!
I'm considering this pattern or something like it for a paint scheme.

http://media.wix.com/ugd/279ff1_4f5468b52e5943cabec26863f36e9808.pdf

Old Wombat · « **Reply #36 on:** September 15, 2015, 10:16:19 AM »

Methinks thou needst ane bigger engine, mate!

Bloody 'Ell! Only thing going to stop that is an engine break down!

Very cool!

Kerick · « **Reply #37 on:** September 15, 2015, 11:19:36 AM »

Hopefully the lighter Bradley turret makes up for the weight of the extra armor! Urban combat means it will spend more time on pavement and not sink into soft ground off road.

Claymore · « **Reply #38 on:** September 16, 2015, 06:41:20 AM »

Quote from: kerick on September 15, 2015, 09:32:26 AM

Claymore, thanks for the comments!
I'm considering this pattern or something like it for a paint scheme.

http://media.wix.com/ugd/279ff1_4f5468b52e5943cabec26863f36e9808.pdf

Can't wait to see it finished and sporting its urban 'Berlin Brigade' cam. :)

Kerick · « **Reply #39 on:** September 16, 2015, 07:27:02 AM »

I'm going to have to grit my teeth and break out the airbrush for this. I can't slobber up all those bolt heads by brush painting! I may have to fudge some of the masking to keep the masking tape off the bolt heads and other details. I should have waited with some of the little parts.

Kerick · « **Reply #40 on:** September 17, 2015, 11:01:06 AM »

An article I read on the Berlin Brigade cammo said the pattern was +- 18 inch squares with some square butting up to each other. 18 inches in 1/35th = darn near 1/2 inches RW. Now to find a roll of 1/2 inch tape. The lower part of the Bradley side armor is really close to 1/2 inch too. This will make things simpler.

LemonJello · « **Reply #41 on:** September 17, 2015, 08:00:28 PM »

Looking forward to seeing this one painted up, and in such an interesting scheme, too!

Kerick · « **Reply #42 on:** October 16, 2015, 10:22:59 AM »

A pattern like this http://media.wix.com/ugd/279ff1_4f5468b52e5943cabec26863f36e9808.pdf might look good around the exposed part of the basement wall of the house. Make the concrete blocks look like other than concrete blocks.
Of course I doubt SWMBO would approve.......

Kerick · « **Reply #43 on:** November 08, 2015, 10:07:11 AM »

Sorry no pics. I just wanted to let folks know I am still working on this one. Painted the off white and gray a few days ago. I had to use rattle cans as I can't find my airbrush!!!! :banghead:
I know its been quite a while since I last used it but gee whiz! Getting old and a bad case of CRS, Can't Remember Stuff!! :banghead:

Claymore · « **Reply #44 on:** November 08, 2015, 05:01:39 PM »

Ah, welcome to my world!

Kerick · « **Reply #45 on:** November 09, 2015, 12:18:14 PM »

Good excuse to buy a new airbrush. It would spit drops of paint on whatever I was painting anyway.

Kerick · « **Reply #46 on:** November 16, 2015, 11:50:05 AM »

Had to resort to Pactra gloss grey spray can and then Krylon Ruddy Brown primer. This was like masking 10 canopies. Many touchups still needed but its much closer to being done!

Trying to get tape to lay down over those bolts was a real PITA. I think I will add some of the ID panels from the Bradley kit.

ChernayaAkula · « **Reply #47 on:** November 16, 2015, 12:41:37 PM »

Lovely camo!

And work well, too. Seems to blend right into the background of your workbench.

LemonJello · « **Reply #48 on:** November 16, 2015, 09:17:55 PM »

Very cool!

Kerick · « **Reply #49 on:** November 17, 2015, 02:26:35 AM »

I should take some city scape pics and play around with photoshop

Brian da Basher · « **Reply #50 on:** November 18, 2015, 07:03:15 AM »

I like the colors, not ones often seen on AFVs.

Good thinking!

Brian da Basher

finsrin · « **Reply #51 on:** November 18, 2015, 07:26:04 AM »

Agree - "I like the colors, not ones often seen on AFVs."
They mess with vision to point of: I see it but what the hell am I looking at? Can't discern what it is.

You are welcome to keep on converting Shermans. Am liking them all. :)

Kerick · « **Reply #52 on:** November 18, 2015, 09:37:10 AM »

Thanks for the kind comments. I wasn't sure how this would turn out but I'm happy with it. Glad to hear others like it!

Feldmarschall Zod · « **Reply #53 on:** November 20, 2015, 09:32:26 AM »

This is looking great. Your build reminds me of some Sherman tanks that were converted with the Bradly turret in a hypothetical Soviet invasion series I have read.

Buzzbomb · « **Reply #54 on:** November 20, 2015, 03:48:30 PM »

Well that works fine

Claymore · « **Reply #55 on:** November 22, 2015, 11:27:19 PM »

Great stuff and lookin' good! :)

Kerick · « **Reply #56 on:** November 22, 2015, 11:47:52 PM »

Quote from: Feldmarschall Zod on November 20, 2015, 09:32:26 AM

This is looking great. Your build reminds me of some Sherman tanks that were converted with the Bradly turret in a hypothetical Soviet invasion series I have read.

What's the name of that series? Sounds interesting.

Feldmarschall Zod · « **Reply #57 on:** November 23, 2015, 12:26:15 AM »

Quote from: kerick on November 22, 2015, 11:47:52 PM

Quote from: Feldmarschall Zod on November 20, 2015, 09:32:26 AM
This is looking great. Your build reminds me of some Sherman tanks that were converted with the Bradly turret in a hypothetical Soviet invasion series I have read.

What's the name of that series? Sounds interesting.

I will post a link to the two books in it tonight. I have them on my kindle.

Frank3k · « **Reply #58 on:** November 23, 2015, 01:01:40 AM »

This is an outstanding build! You've managed to modernize a Sherman without completely obliterating its lines. Very believable upgrade.

Feldmarschall Zod · « **Reply #59 on:** November 23, 2015, 05:46:10 AM »

Quote from: kerick on November 22, 2015, 11:47:52 PM

Quote from: Feldmarschall Zod on November 20, 2015, 09:32:26 AM
This is looking great. Your build reminds me of some Sherman tanks that were converted with the Bradly turret in a hypothetical Soviet invasion series I have read.

What's the name of that series? Sounds interesting.

Here are the two books he has. No idea when book three will be out.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=total+war+r+w+grossman&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3Atotal+war+r+w+grossman

Kerick · « **Reply #60 on:** November 23, 2015, 09:07:30 AM »

Thanks for the comments. Did a little touching up today. Time to start adding the fiddly bits.

Kerick · « **Reply #61 on:** January 09, 2016, 09:52:49 PM »

Between Christmas and tiny bits there is not much visible progress. This is just to let folks know I haven't abandoned it!

IMG_0007[1]

IMG_0008[1]

IMG_0009[1]

I've added a couple of BUSK detail like the antennas and armored windows.

finsrin · « **Reply #62 on:** January 10, 2016, 01:12:45 AM »

Good to hear. Is worthy project,,, would not want it abandoned.

Kerick · « **Reply #63 on:** January 12, 2016, 09:46:38 AM »

I mixed some grey/gray and black to get an acceptable shade for the road wheels and track pads. Track painting has begun. Because I'm tired of putting little tiny parts on the turret.

How many shades of rust are there?

apophenia · « **Reply #64 on:** January 12, 2016, 09:56:30 AM »

Looking good ... glad that you're proceeding :)

Kerick · « **Reply #65 on:** January 14, 2016, 11:59:57 AM »

Tracks! We have tracks!

I'll apply some further weathering to tone it down later. Half the colors on this build are gloss so some dull coat will help.

finsrin · « **Reply #66 on:** January 14, 2016, 12:07:18 PM »

Tracks are too darn good. :)

Kerick · « **Reply #67 on:** January 15, 2016, 05:08:35 AM »

Two shades of brown and silver dry brushing on the treads. Once I dull coat the whole thing I'll and some dust and dirt. Not too much mud and slop as it's supposed to be operating in urban streets.

taiidantomcat · « **Reply #68 on:** January 15, 2016, 05:59:39 AM »

This is a gem :)

Kerick · « **Reply #69 on:** January 17, 2016, 10:54:02 PM »

I was futzing around with the left over parts from the Academy Bradley last night (instead of actually assembling stuff) when I noticed on the G sprue next to the place where it says Academy etc there was 10 bolt heads and 10 bolt with nut molded on the sprue. Nice surprise! Same size as the ones on the add on armor. I wish I had noticed these earlier! I'll be saving them for the next tank project.

Kerick · « **Reply #70 on:** January 26, 2016, 10:49:52 AM »

I think I finished fiddling around with all the bits that go on the outside of this contraption. Sprayed on some dullcoat so i'll see how that goes.
I need help on why anyone would want to mount a Bradley turret onto an old Sherman hull. Something on the order of the Bradley hit a mine that damaged the hull beyond repair so they grabbed a Sherman out of the city's war museum or some such thing. I build things and wish I could write about them. I stick to my strengths.

Camthalion · « **Reply #71 on:** January 26, 2016, 03:07:29 PM »

looks really good. Nice work

Kerick · « **Reply #72 on:** January 27, 2016, 11:29:14 AM »

Thanks!

Latest pics

A pair of Bradley transplants.

Cliffy B · « **Reply #73 on:** January 27, 2016, 12:33:56 PM »

Awesome!!!! And those turret top antennae look just like the ones on the probe droid from Empire Strikes Back!!!!!

Kerick · « **Reply #74 on:** January 27, 2016, 08:38:12 PM »

Quote from: Cliffy B on January 27, 2016, 12:33:56 PM

Awesome!!!! And those turret top antennae look just like the ones on the probe droid from Empire Strikes Back!!!!!

Not what I was going for but glad you like it. Thanks

Buzzbomb · « **Reply #75 on:** January 28, 2016, 09:02:08 AM »

pretty impressive all in all

Kerick · « **Reply #76 on:** January 28, 2016, 09:13:22 AM »

Thanks

Kerick · « **Reply #77 on:** February 01, 2016, 11:11:32 AM »

Last two photos. I'm declaring this one finished!

I'm not too big on adding lots of stowage and such. The fiddly bits on this one almost drove me nuts as it is.
I started this back in August, do you think it qualifies for Clear your workbench GB?

Old Wombat · « **Reply #78 on:** February 01, 2016, 12:48:27 PM »

Hell no! I started my HMBLT back in 2012 & I don't think it'll make it for the 2015 Clear Your Workbench GB.

Kerick · « **Reply #79 on:** February 01, 2016, 12:58:00 PM »

We'll have to run this GB next year. Maybe the HMBLT will be ready then!

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #80 on:** February 02, 2016, 02:20:50 AM »

Quote from: kerick on February 01, 2016, 12:58:00 PM

We'll have to run this GB next year. Maybe the HMBLT will be ready then!

The Clear Your Workbench GB is an annual GB. It is designed to do exactly as the name suggests and to give you a motivation to complete old projects.

Claymore · « **Reply #81 on:** March 13, 2016, 05:24:04 PM »

An awesome piece of work my good man. Bravo! :)

Kerick · « **Reply #82 on:** March 14, 2016, 06:52:38 AM »

Thanks my friend!
That M51 I started with was such a nice kit I may build one stock just for fun.

finsrin · « **Reply #83 on:** March 14, 2016, 08:53:18 AM »

So creative. Is like you are giving old Shermans a new lease on life and career. :)
Bring on more conversions !

Kerick · « **Reply #84 on:** March 14, 2016, 09:09:37 AM »

Claymore started it! I blame (credit) it all on him!

http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=5366.0

This does lend itself to lots of possibilities!

Claymore · « **Reply #85 on:** March 15, 2016, 07:11:10 AM »

You're most kind. Perhaps we should go not business!


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Author Topic: Another converted Sherman (Read 26604 times)