Which turret would be best for a Canadian M4A4 75mm? Both are from Formations Models The one without applique armor has no pistol port I'm not sure about the one with applique armor

Hi Chad. I'm no expert on M4A4s, but as the Firefly was based mostly on this vehicle and the majority of these seem to have had pistol ports and cheek armour I'd go for that version.

Chad:

I took a look at Hunnicutt and a few other refs and it looks like you can go with either one. The turret without the applique or pistol port would have been rarer than the other. If you use the turret with the applique, you'll also want to add applique to the hull.

Most of the Cdn M4A4s I have seen did not appear to have the applique cheek. They did have the hull side plates and plates added to the driver/ rad op hoods. The late war A4s are hard to tell because of extra track link armour added to the vehicle. I would go with the turret with no applique and add the pistol port.

Definately the Turret with no applique cheek armour, but you will need to add the Pistol port. Most of the Turrets without the pistol port ended up on the M4 Hybrid and welded hull M4's in commonwealth usage from what I have been able to tell. I wont say never but a pistol port. You can decide to add the cast in cheek armour depending on the "Age" of your Vehicle. Earlier models woudn't have the cheek armour and later models did along with the M34a1 mantlet. So..its all up to you really. The DML turret that comes withthe M4A4 and Vc kits is useable with some work as well and so is the Tamiya low bustle turret. You have a few options..I would even consider the TWS offerings as well. Just some ideas.
Cheers,
Bryan

Gents
Thanks for the replies I am going to use the DML Vc (newer kit) and replace the turret with a 75mm I may have a TWS turret at home One of these days I should take an invetory of what I have

Hi Chad just for your references the Formation turret without the pistol port does have the built in cheek armor...Doesn't change anything for your build , I just wanted you to know that it was there ... Another option for the turret would be one from the Tamiya kit.

Rick

It depends on what kit you use. I guess you mean the M4 'early'? Then it would be approppiate. The M4A3 is not, as its an high bustle turret with oval loaders hatch and cast in armor (well, it should be there, though Tamiya hasn't it included).

Criteria for your turret woul be; low bustle, 75mm, no loaders hatch. Pistol port is optional as well as the cheek armour. Try to get a photograph of an Sherman V. There are plenty around in books and on the web. Make the kit appropriate to the photo ... and hey presto, you're done

Cheers, MartinD

On this subject has anyone ever done a guide to modeling Canadian/Commonwealth Shermans with what changes should be incorporated with each version? I myself want to do a whole series of Canuck Shermans but the prospect of trying to get it right scares me. Shermans are a complex subject as it is when it comes to correcting kits so a guide on what to change or what feature makes a particular version would be nice to have.

I need to start printing and saving these threads too this is very good information.

I am in the process of doing just that Rob..I have it about halfway done.. It will be as up to date as I can make it..I have decided to include even OOP accesories etc. Keep an eye out for it.
Cheers,
Bryan