Post by gary on Jul 18, 2015 0:38:55 GMT -5
Part of the Sherman development during WW2 was an attempt to increase its power a one such vehicle was the M4A6 which was to receive a modified Wright air-cooled radial. The end result was a fuel injected diesel engine by Caterpillar - known as the D200A - which could run on anything fro crude oil to 100 octane petrol. It developed some 450hp with 1470 ft/lb torque @ 1200 rpm. Initially, standard M4A4s were used with a slight modification to the rear engine deck to accommodate the larger engine.
The first vehicle was designated M4E1 and began testing at the Caterpillar Proving Ground in December 1942. After ironing out initial problems, Chrysler began production in 1943 but used an M4A4 hull with a cast nose similar to the large hatch M4A1. However, only 75 vehicles were built before the decision was made to concentrate on the M4A3 despite it being considered superior in performance than any other M4 series tank. Built vehicles were assigned to training units in the U.S. and none saw active service.
The plan for this build is to combine a standard V hull with that of a 1c - Tasca supplying both of the hulls.....
The 1c is based on the M4 version so has a shorter hull than the M4A4. The plan is to cut the noses off both hulls and graft the cast section onto the M4A4 hull. A few minor changes to the engine deck along with a later production turret with an oval loaders hatch should hopefully result in a reasonable accurate M4A4. There is not a lot of info or photos around but hopefully enough to do the job.
Gary
The first vehicle was designated M4E1 and began testing at the Caterpillar Proving Ground in December 1942. After ironing out initial problems, Chrysler began production in 1943 but used an M4A4 hull with a cast nose similar to the large hatch M4A1. However, only 75 vehicles were built before the decision was made to concentrate on the M4A3 despite it being considered superior in performance than any other M4 series tank. Built vehicles were assigned to training units in the U.S. and none saw active service.
The plan for this build is to combine a standard V hull with that of a 1c - Tasca supplying both of the hulls.....
The 1c is based on the M4 version so has a shorter hull than the M4A4. The plan is to cut the noses off both hulls and graft the cast section onto the M4A4 hull. A few minor changes to the engine deck along with a later production turret with an oval loaders hatch should hopefully result in a reasonable accurate M4A4. There is not a lot of info or photos around but hopefully enough to do the job.
Gary
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Below are the major components ready to go...
