Need some guidance. I have the Sherman III kit. Nice, but it has its challenges (like the drive sprockets). My initial research indicates that the British designated Sherman III is the American M4A2 version. I think I read where the British converted several of these to Firefly tanks. But, I cannot find a reference. My questions:
1. Is the Sherman III an M4A2? I think I am right there.
3. Did the British converts some to Firefly models? If so, who had them in the British force structure?
2. Other than the turret, can someone point me to a reference for alterations placed on her for a Firefly version?
thanks
DJ

Yes the Sherman III is the M4A2
No M4A2s were ever converted to Fireflies. A firefly turret was placed on an M4A2 chassis in the Aberdeen Proving Grounds for display but no such tank ever existed

DJ for future reference: four Sherman hulls were actually converted into Firefly configuration. The most numerous were the Sherman Vs (or M4A4). Secondly came the welded hull M4 and Composite M4 hulls (the ones with the cast front). These were used mostly by UK, Cdn and Polish forces. A very small batch of M4A3s were converted, destined to go to American units.

The conversion was mostly dealing with the turret (which you knew of course). A 75mm Sherman gun turret had its weapon removed and the 17pd QF cannon emplaced. A hole was cut out of the rear of the turret bustle to set the wireless set further back (due to the longer recoil of the 17pdr QF gun). Ammo stores were replaced (since the 17pdr ammo was longer) including an additional box where the hull MG operator sat. This position was omitted fully and the MG port had a armor plate welded over it. HTH

Hey DJ,
Here's a good site with info on the Firefly conversions:

http://freespace.virgin.net/shermanic.firefly/

FYI - here's a photo of the so called Aberdeen "M4A2 Firefly":

http://glidereng.bravepages.com/firefly.jpg

Cheers

jjumbo

Pat/Roy-- thanks very much for clarifying the issue. It can be confusing to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the Sherman family of vehicles!

John-- great website which I shall use again.

Thanks again for your responses.
DJ