Hello, can anyone tell me what parts I would need to build an early M4 american sherman. I have an unbuilt m4a1 kit but wondered if tasca has parts I could order to add to the m4a1 parts to produce an american m4. Perhaps the British sherman 2 is essentially the same as the american m4?

Kind regards,
Paul

Hi praggio

It's kind of hard to answer your question, as there are many "early" M4 variants. Essentially, to convert an M4A1 into an M4 you would need a new upper hull, as the M4 is welded and the A1 is cast. The details then depend on how early an M4 you want: Early M3 style bogies? Direct vision?

Also, the British Sherman II is the equivalent to the American M4A1 which is as I said above, cast, not welded as the M4. The easiest way to help you would be if you could give us a picture of what you're trying to model.

Cheers!
Stefan

There are pricey aftermarket resin hulls you can get. Or you can wait as I'm sure an M4 is on the "to do" list for Tasca.

To get a very early US M4 (British Sherman 1) you can order sprues from Tasca quite cheaply to convert your M4A1 Kit. You will only need the Hull sprues as you have all the parts needed to do an M4 in the M4A1 excepting the Hulls (Engine Decks, rears, exhaust, Grouser covers etc) which are as follows for both DV and Cast Hood M4's:
DV Hull - http://www.tasca-modellismo.com/seihin/parts/35017-h.jpg
Non DV - http://www.tasca-modellismo.com/seihin/parts/35018-h.jpg

Much easier than using resin conversions and a lot cheaper too. If you want a really early M4 you will need the M3 Suspension set 35-015 1/35 M4 SHERMAN "VVSS "SUSPENSION SET C (INITIAL): http://www.tasca-modellismo.com/seihin/vvss-c/vvssc.html

Cheers
Al