I'm looking at building a NZ Sherman Mk.I fitted with a M1 Dozer for the Land Down Under campaign. This tank is featured on Bison Decals #35106

After looking around, I've found 3 M1 dozer conversions; Trakz TX0114, Resicast 35.101 and Verlinden 646.

All three conversions are designed to fit VVSS, but with the single piece front transmission cover.

This is where I'd like some help or suggestions, the Sherman I have some reference pics of show it has a early 3 piece transmission cover, so which of the three conversion kits would require the least amount of modification to fit the early transmission cover?

Resicast comes with three different mounts depending on the type of tranny cover you use. Just use the one that fits. However, I replaced some of the clunkier parts with sheet styrene.



More pics can be seen in Military Modelling's August issue.

Not sure if I'm just unlucky, but the Verlinden dozer blade I got is rather poorly cast, with lumps in the corners where the rubber mould had worn out. Also, there are some very "unfortunate" engineering decisions that will make it a bit fragile once assembled. I plan to use the resin parts as patterns to scratch-build new ones from styrene and brass.

Of course, the Academy Sherman Dozer kit comes with a plastic dozer assembly for a better price than most of the resin ones, and you get a tank thrown in!

Tom

I used the Trax one on my M4 Dozer sherman. It is overall pretty good. Just needs some cleanup and a few bolts added here and there. Also needed some putty in a few spots. I had picked it up on sale, but I personaly dont think its worth the full retail price.

I will probally do Resicast next time

Andy

Thanks for all the replies

It looks as if I'll go with the Resicast offering. I didn't realise that it includes different mounts to suit different transmission covers.

I could kick myself, I saw a Resicast Dozer close on ebay for US$30 a few weeks ago without any bids. The cheapest I have seen since is US$55!