What are sponsons?Where are they located on Shermans? Whats the problem with them on Tamiya's Shermans? If anyone can post a picture it would really help.I just started armor 4 monthes ago my first kit was Italeri's M4A1 Sherman OOB.So any help would really would really appreciated.
Thanks

The sponsons (two - one on either side of the tank) are the area of the hull sides which protrude directly above the tracks. This area from the inside of the tank is where the ammunition was usually stored.
The problem with Tamiya's M4 series is that the models have a huge hole there. If you look at your Italeri kit, flip it over and look above the tracks, you'll see the sponsons are blanked over. Now, if you do the same with Tamiya's, you'll see right into the hull!

One of the easiest fixes for Tamiya's, is to use THIS TEMPLATE, It's a PDF, which means that you'll need to download and install Adobe Reader, before clicking the link above.
HTH

The fix is really only necessary if you plan to have one or more of your hatches open.

Hi, I just blank mine in with some .005" or .010" plastic sheet. Just rough cut it to fit and then make some cutting adjustments to where the sheet fits up against the bottom, or inside, of the outer hull and leave any extra hanging over on the inside, which won't be seen if your not doing anything to the interior anyway. Sometimes you have to cut this overlapping piece on the inside down a bit so the turret will fit in, but again, no big deal here. At least it works for me. I find this is something that just about all Tamiya kits have to have done if you don't want the tracks showing through into the inside, which to me just 'doesn't get it', whether you seal up the interior or not.

Take care, Sgirty

I think Formations has a set in resin not much money but I guess would be better to grab something with it so the shipping will balance out!