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Armor/AFV: British Armor
Discuss all types of British Armor of all eras.
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Sherman III in Italy - what to do?
BornToDig
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Maryland, United States
Joined: December 25, 2002
KitMaker: 345 posts
Armorama: 311 posts
Posted: Monday, October 16, 2017 - 01:36 AM UTC
Hi all,

I got myself a Dragon Sherman III, early with direct vision ports, three part transmission housing, and rubber block tracks.

I've been looking at photos of the subtype online, and I can't really find many that have the combination. If nothing else, very few of the tanks seem to have the T41 (is it?) rubber block tracks.

I'm not obsessive enough about the sherman to require 100% historical accuracy - I just wanted a Mediterranean/North African sherman with tan camo in my collection, so I grabbed this kit. But I would like to build something that at least comes close.

Also, might somebody recommend a set of British tank stowage? Ammo boxes, flimsys, water cans, that sort of thing?
retiredyank
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Arkansas, United States
Joined: June 29, 2009
KitMaker: 11,610 posts
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Posted: Monday, October 16, 2017 - 01:46 AM UTC
You could see if someone has the Dragon Mk.III Sicily kit they would like to trade.
gastec
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Auckland, New Zealand
Joined: February 03, 2014
KitMaker: 1,042 posts
Armorama: 871 posts
Posted: Monday, October 16, 2017 - 02:03 AM UTC
Something like this?

http://plasticarmour.com/sherman-iii.html

Based on Cpl R Miller's Sherman 'Tiger Lil' in Italy.

Gary

RLlockie
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United Kingdom
Joined: September 06, 2013
KitMaker: 1,112 posts
Armorama: 938 posts
Posted: Monday, October 16, 2017 - 04:12 AM UTC
Do you mean plain rubber block track or T48 rubber chevron?

Flimsies were long out of use by the time the Allies arrived in Italy as much better alternatives were available by then.

British pressed steel boxes of WW2 pattern are available from various manufacturers including Bronco, Accurate Armour, Resicast and Panzer Art. Be aware that some boxes are post-war designs so comparison with photographs is your best bet if you want to avoid your M4 looking as though it has a 120mm L11.
BornToDig
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Maryland, United States
Joined: December 25, 2002
KitMaker: 345 posts
Armorama: 311 posts
Posted: Monday, October 16, 2017 - 08:58 AM UTC

Quoted Text

You could see if someone has the Dragon Mk.III Sicily kit they would like to trade.



Maybe I phrased the question poorly. I'm not.interested in trading the kit, I'm just curious if the rubber block track was correct for that particular sub type.
BornToDig
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Maryland, United States
Joined: December 25, 2002
KitMaker: 345 posts
Armorama: 311 posts
Posted: Monday, October 16, 2017 - 08:59 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Something like this?

http://plasticarmour.com/sherman-iii.html

Based on Cpl R Miller's Sherman 'Tiger Lil' in Italy.

Gary



Very nicely done, Gary. This kit looks pretty much like that, save for the plain track.
BornToDig
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Maryland, United States
Joined: December 25, 2002
KitMaker: 345 posts
Armorama: 311 posts
Posted: Monday, October 16, 2017 - 09:00 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Do you mean plain rubber block track or T48 rubber chevron?

Flimsies were long out of use by the time the Allies arrived in Italy as much better alternatives were available by then.

British pressed steel boxes of WW2 pattern are available from various manufacturers including Bronco, Accurate Armour, Resicast and Panzer Art. Be aware that some boxes are post-war designs so comparison with photographs is your best bet if you want to avoid your M4 looking as though it has a 120mm L11.


I mean the rubber block, no Chevron.

And thanks for clearing the can thing.
Bravo1102
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New Jersey, United States
Joined: December 08, 2003
KitMaker: 2,864 posts
Armorama: 2,497 posts
Posted: Monday, October 16, 2017 - 02:13 PM UTC
Many of the British Sherman III by the time they hit Sicily had WE210 "double E" track. As the campaign moved to Italy they usually got steel chevron track of the T54 or T56E1 variety. Some vehicles also got T47 steel track too. Probably depended on what was available as the tracks wore out. Photos show WE210 in use until late 1944 when they were looking practically flat. (Nothing like the Bronco replacement tracks at all which are the tracks as brand new)

The Dragon direct vision Sherman III out of the box depicts one in the Western Desert with the T41 track.

I recommend the he Star decals sheet British Tanks in Italy for markings.

ericadeane
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Michigan, United States
Joined: October 28, 2002
KitMaker: 4,021 posts
Armorama: 3,947 posts
Posted: Monday, October 16, 2017 - 06:38 PM UTC
A nice thing about the Bronco or Takom or other styrene WE-210 tracks is that you can grind them down to show worn faces.

I did that with Panda/RHPS T-48 rubber chevron tracks. From the package, they were too pristine. I worked them with sanding sticks, taking off lots of plastic. Then I followed on with a dremel to impart nicks and rips -- to get a worn down final look.
BornToDig
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Maryland, United States
Joined: December 25, 2002
KitMaker: 345 posts
Armorama: 311 posts
Posted: Monday, October 16, 2017 - 07:54 PM UTC

Quoted Text



The Dragon direct vision Sherman III out of the box depicts one in the Western Desert with the T41 track.



Aha! Okay, thanks. So none of the markings options in the box is really appropriate. I should have figured.
Bravo1102
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New Jersey, United States
Joined: December 08, 2003
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Posted: Tuesday, October 17, 2017 - 01:14 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text



The Dragon direct vision Sherman III out of the box depicts one in the Western Desert with the T41 track.



Aha! Okay, thanks. So none of the markings options in the box is really appropriate. I should have figured.

Nah, just the usual problem with many of Dragon's Sherman kits. Wrong style tracks for the decals in the box. Get a set of Panda/RHPS or Bronco WE210 track and save the T41 for a Lee.
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