This classic conversion goes back to late 1989,maybe 1990. For armor conversions,it was a first. It was a styrene plastic conversion vs resin. It is a shame they stopped making them. I was told the man responsible for making these conversions ran the Chesapeake Model Designs site. Even they are no longer around.
The pix,
Sadly on mine,one of the rear fenders is missing.
The raised nubs on the hull sides are for the E8 suspension,like on the full M50 kit they did. If using the VVSS,then just remove them.
Pros. Great detail which was missing on the donor kits back then,or even these days. Stuff like raised weld beads. Better rough casting. Casting marks,etc. They gave you the five extra track links as the A4 used five extra links per side. The sprocket axle is made to be adjustable.
Cons. No sponson fillers. The FDA will need the gap filled between the upper and lower parts.
A tank filled with holes.
For that is what shall become.
Boom we go.
Goodbye.
Bill Miley and Tom Gannon were the guys behind MP Models, and Bill ran Chesapeake Model Designs. CMD has closed, and Tom has been more involved on the research side of IDF modeling. His book Israeli Sherman in 1999 was the first one to take a comprehensive look at IDF Shermans, and if it's now somewhat dated it is still valuable. He's working on a second edition.
The low-pressure molding used by MP resulted in some soft details, but the basics are there and generally correct. Their hull is relatively early, since it has the pads for the lift rings. What I find really interesting is the construction of the hull: flat panels with stiffening bulkheads; essentially the same route chosen by Tasca/Asuka but but years earlier.
Let me check the spares pallet, Zod. I might have a fender for you. There's a parted-out MP M50 in there somewhere and the VVSS rear fenders may still be on the sprue.
EDIT: I've got 'em, Zod; they're yours if you want them...just get me an address. One was loose in the box, the other on the sprue...might have happened with your kit as well, and one went astray somewhere along the line.
Last Edit: Sept 29, 2014 9:59:09 GMT -5 by beekster: Found the parts! - Back to Top
"You could probably use some armor. A Sherman can give you a very nice...edge!"
Bill Miley and Tom Gannon were the guys behind MP Models, and Bill ran Chesapeake Model Designs. CMD has closed, and Tom has been more involved on the research side of IDF modeling. His book Israeli Sherman in 1999 was the first one to take a comprehensive look at IDF Shermans, and if it's now somewhat dated it is still valuable. He's working on a second edition.
The low-pressure molding used by MP resulted in some soft details, but the basics are there and generally correct. Their hull is relatively early, since it has the pads for the lift rings. What I find really interesting is the construction of the hull: flat panels with stiffening bulkheads; essentially the same route chosen by Tasca/Asuka but but years earlier.
Let me check the spares pallet, Zod. I might have a fender for you. There's a parted-out MP M50 in there somewhere and the VVSS rear fenders may still be on the sprue.
EDIT: I've got 'em, Zod; they're yours if you want them...just get me an address. One was loose in the box, the other on the sprue...might have happened with your kit as well, and one went astray somewhere along the line.
Thanks Beekster. I just found the missing fender as I was cleaning up my room. It must have been loose in the bag,and fell out after I opened it up. Now to figure out what markings to get for this.
A tank filled with holes.
For that is what shall become.
Boom we go.
Goodbye.
Zod, you've got a vast array of choices for markings. The M4A4 was used in Sicily & Italy, Normandy & Northwest Europe, and also in the China-Burma-India theater. Light Mud/Blue Black camo was common in Italy, and in the CBI some strange angle-iron and mesh constructions were added to ward off Japanese AT mines. You could delete the turret and adapt a Resicast or Legends set to make a British/CW ARV. You could fit a Hobby Boss EBR-10 turret to make an Egyptian AMX Sherman.
Mine is something of a shelf queen; I used the hull from the MP M50 kit to backdate to an M4A4 with Academy suspension, Tamiya turret, and some Dragon parts, too. Cobbled some rude interior bits, since the plan was to do a brewed-up tank. Might finish it someday...
"You could probably use some armor. A Sherman can give you a very nice...edge!"
Zod, you've got a vast array of choices for markings. The M4A4 was used in Sicily & Italy, Normandy & Northwest Europe, and also in the China-Burma-India theater. Light Mud/Blue Black camo was common in Italy, and in the CBI some strange angle-iron and mesh constructions were added to ward off Japanese AT mines. You could delete the turret and adapt a Resicast or Legends set to make a British/CW ARV. You could fit a Hobby Boss EBR-10 turret to make an Egyptian AMX Sherman.
Mine is something of a shelf queen; I used the hull from the MP M50 kit to backdate to an M4A4 with Academy suspension, Tamiya turret, and some Dragon parts, too. Cobbled some rude interior bits, since the plan was to do a brewed-up tank. Might finish it someday...
I have been thinking of some CBI Sherman V's. One in the Chinese volunteer group,another in British markings. I also have one,maybe two of the MP M50 kits that I will be making some V's. Too many Sherman kits. Not enough time.
A tank filled with holes.
For that is what shall become.
Boom we go.
Goodbye.
Zod, if you decide to do a CBI British/Indian tank, let me know. I have Dennis Oliver's book on CBI Shermans and Lees, and on older magazine article on building one as well. I can make some scans for you.
"You could probably use some armor. A Sherman can give you a very nice...edge!"
Zod, if you decide to do a CBI British/Indian tank, let me know. I have Dennis Oliver's book on CBI Shermans and Lees, and on older magazine article on building one as well. I can make some scans for you.
That would be swell. Thanks.
A tank filled with holes.
For that is what shall become.
Boom we go.
Goodbye.