The SoS book shows 5 types of Sherman drive sprockets while the Sherman Minutia site has photos of the 4 main types. However, I've noticed a different pattern on some earlier Ford produced vehicles which differ compared to their usual D47366A casting. It is similar to the CDA produced D47366B but with the former's 'dimples'. You can see the sprocket I'm referring to here...

http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/manufacturer/m4a3ford/GMPG_8037a.jpg

and here...

http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/manufacturer/m4a3ford/3055617d.jpg

This is the more common Ford type sprocket...

http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/suspension/sherman_sprocket5.JPG

Anyone have some definitive info?

Thanks

Gary

The two photos you reference show the second and third M4A3s, so it is not uncommon for small tweaks like this to appear early on.

The important distinction among the sprockets is not their appearance per se but the relationship between the appearance and the manufacturing method, namely machined from plate, forged, or cast.

KL

Thanks Kurt

This means I can 'modify' the Tasca/Asuka offerings to match for my current M4A3 build.

Gary

How early is your tank supposed to be? I would stick with the standard if I was modeling something past the first 50 tanks, perhaps less.

KL

Wow, on that backwards bogie. I've never seen that before

The bogie isn't backwards... they have mounting holes on both sides. The trailing arm is mounted on it and it was designed to be "universal" so there is no Left or right side. I have a picture somewhere of a Russian Lend Lease M4A2 Mid with it installed like that as well.

Chris