Hey folks, let's play nice. I started this thread to give folks some idea what this long awaited kit looks like, as a precursor to writing a detailed review (I may have bitten off a bit too much, as there are problems for sure in the instructions) and wether it could be adapted for other versions. I did so because I have some first hand operational experience (as do others) with the track. So far I'm pleased with what I'm seeing in the kit (with a few reservations). But, I don't want the thread to devolve into a "food fight". So let's try to keep personal attacks out of it please. I'm pleased to answer any and all questions (that I can-- there are some I can't, and maybe others with experience will chime in) regarding my experience with the Sheridan, and how the kit looks. So if we could keep it professional, I for one would appreciate it.
VR, Russ
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RFM Sheridan-- First Look
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
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Posted: Thursday, September 26, 2019 - 01:09 PM UTC
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
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Posted: Thursday, September 26, 2019 - 01:13 PM UTC
And Chris Fish, thanks for taking the time posting the sprue photos, it really illustrates what we're talking about.
VR, Russ
VR, Russ
trickymissfit
Joined: October 03, 2007
KitMaker: 1,388 posts
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KitMaker: 1,388 posts
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Posted: Thursday, September 26, 2019 - 02:54 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Gary,
The more I look at the kit, I think you can build any version you want. It may take a modification of the bustle rack for an early version though. But I'd say RFM designed it to take advantage of using it as a base for different versions, similar to what they did with their Tigers and Panthers--with or without interiors and different accessories. Tfhe TTS version had a slave cable receptacle added during rebuilds (the M551 and M551A1 ran the cable through the driver's hatch). The slave receptacle on the TTS was on the front hull to the driver's left-- this kit has it as an option by drilling a mounting hole for a salve cable receptacle port cover. It's features like this that make me believe RFM is going to use this as a base for other versions.
VR, Russ
I expect them to do a couple NTC tracks, and a true Vietnam era track. I-CORP tracks were never fancey, and almost generic. They were not liked much, as they traded in good forty eights for them!
There was talk about the floatation device in them. It was fairly common to see the fiberglass corners to be broken and even shattered in the rear. Tracks in the bush always carried an extra road wheel. The ammo cans were often filled with sand or dirt. Up north anyway,most tracks carried a large coffee can filled with heavy oil or transmission oil to cool the fifty caliber barrel. Always have a couple Jerry cans for oil in the rack.
I know everybody is thinking diorama! Never make a Sheridan the lead track. The track width was too wide to follow an APC. Plus the basic ACAV Hull seemed to be stronger if you got a mine. CAV units had them run slack most of the time because of the beehive round.
Gary
brekinapez
Joined: July 26, 2013
KitMaker: 2,272 posts
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Posted: Thursday, September 26, 2019 - 03:12 PM UTC
Sorry, Russ; not my choice to lean towards that path. But I do feel compelled to react when someone dismisses me out of hand because they don't know why I posted something, and in the same breath admit they couldn't be bothered to even find out. That's just wrong. I just wanted to know what kit would best duplicate a vehicle I used in a game I enjoyed. Since the vehicle was a Sheridan, I thought it related to the topic.
27-1025
Joined: September 16, 2004
KitMaker: 1,281 posts
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Posted: Thursday, September 26, 2019 - 04:22 PM UTC
Quoted Text
And Chris Fish, thanks for taking the time posting the sprue photos, it really illustrates what we're talking about.
VR, Russ
You're very welcome. As I have no real familiarity with the Sheridan (other than witnessing one being wrecked after coming out the ass end of a C-130 wrong) I'll be following your build closely for tips and insights.
SEDimmick
Joined: March 15, 2002
KitMaker: 1,745 posts
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Posted: Friday, September 27, 2019 - 03:08 AM UTC
Quoted Text
It all looks very nice, looking forward to building this. At first glance it looks like careful attention needs to be paid to the instructions and I'm not real clear as to what parts actually constitute an A1 and an A1 TTS.
From looking at photos of vehicles the only difference is in the sight on the turret. The other TTS features that RFM calls out in their kits can be found on A1s.
I don't believe the TTS vehicles where used til Desert Storm and Operation Uphold Democracy in 1994. I can't find any TTS style sights on Just Cause or Desert Storm tanks. From what I read, the Sheridans deployed to Desert Shield were replaced prior to the invasion of Kuwait (which is supported by photos-post Desert Storm tanks are in overall CARC sand vs field applied camo over natoflage)
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
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Posted: Friday, September 27, 2019 - 04:10 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted Text
It all looks very nice, looking forward to building this. At first glance it looks like careful attention needs to be paid to the instructions and I'm not real clear as to what parts actually constitute an A1 and an A1 TTS.
From looking at photos of vehicles the only difference is in the sight on the turret. The other TTS features that RFM calls out in their kits can be found on A1s.
I don't believe the TTS vehicles where used til Desert Storm and Operation Uphold Democracy in 1994. I can't find any TTS style sights on Just Cause or Desert Storm tanks. From what I read, the Sheridans deployed to Desert Shield were replaced prior to the invasion of Kuwait (which is supported by photos-post Desert Storm tanks are in overall CARC sand vs field applied camo over natoflage)
I agree the TTS sight on the turret is THE identifying factor between the two versions, there are other not so easily seen items as well for this kit (drivers scopes and commanders Thermal scope, slave receptacle) but there can also be a few inconsistencies in what's found between TTS and A1 versions at different times. For instance, there should be no M73 Coax on a TTS Sheridan. The production run ended in 1970, so virtually every M551A1 or TTS vehicle is either an add-on modification or a complete rebuild from the earlier M551 or M551A1. Early A1 versions don't have the external slave cable port for instance, while the TTS version do. But the old style grenade launchers might also be found on a TTS tank, while A1s might have the newer launchers. Most, if not all, the A1 rebuilt versions appear to have eventually received the cargo rack supplied in the kit sometime post-1980. The TTS sight "notch" in the right turret cheek is pretty subtle in photos, so it's difficult to tell sometimes from photos at a distance. Another way to tell is to look at the open aperture from the front---the TTS sight was a smaller single periscope, while the A1 sight was wider with a line off to one side of the split lens. RFM has made the instructions a little confusing, to include the two color profiles (Desert and NATO) at the back of the instructions which are labeled for "TTS" vehicles, but they have A1 sights, so you need some good references available when building the kit. I don't blame RFM, because looking at the real thing can even be confusing! I'm trying (not too well because of the many variables) to explain some of these differences in the in-box review I've just sent to Carlos Martin for publishing. I have some photos of the real thing to add, but I'm afraid there are even inconsistencies there, as it's a TTS vehicle with A1 features and no appliqué armor. There was no mass delivery of "new" Sheridans to the field either-- (3/73 Armor might have been an exception-- I'm not sure) as most units received replacement vehicles one or two at a time as vehicles were replaced due to becoming "overmilage". Sometimes I think we as modelers believe there's an absolute science to this, when in truth, there's always a variable in the field--bottom line--no two tracks are ever "exactly" alike--except maybe on the "showroom" floor!
VR, Russ
Removed by original poster on 09/29/19 - 03:50:07 (GMT).
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
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Posted: Saturday, September 28, 2019 - 03:45 PM UTC
Here are a selection of reference photos on the Sheridan sent to me by Russ in order to be posted on this thread.
(All photos copyright Russ Bucy)
(All photos copyright Russ Bucy)
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
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Posted: Saturday, September 28, 2019 - 03:48 PM UTC
And again; All Photos Copyright Russ Bucy
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
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Posted: Saturday, September 28, 2019 - 05:03 PM UTC
Thanks Michael! I should add this is a TTS Sheridan with M551A1 features. The searchlight, coax MG, muzzle plug and markings are fictitious.
VR, Russ
VR, Russ
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
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Posted: Sunday, September 29, 2019 - 06:52 AM UTC
Great photos Russ!
Tankrider
Joined: October 07, 2002
KitMaker: 1,280 posts
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Posted: Sunday, September 29, 2019 - 12:50 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Thanks Michael! I should add this is a TTS Sheridan with M551A1 features. The searchlight, coax MG, muzzle plug and markings are fictitious.
VR, Russ
I took a walkaround of this vehicle this this summer. The searchlight had me wondering until I realized that it was a "reproduction." Currently it needs a good power washing and a coat of paint. It is a good example of the late M551 with a TTS as Russ mentioned.
John
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
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Posted: Sunday, September 29, 2019 - 04:20 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextThanks Michael! I should add this is a TTS Sheridan with M551A1 features. The searchlight, coax MG, muzzle plug and markings are fictitious.
VR, Russ
I took a walkaround of this vehicle this this summer. The searchlight had me wondering until I realized that it was a "reproduction." Currently it needs a good power washing and a coat of paint. It is a good example of the late M551 with a TTS as Russ mentioned.
John
It has a lot of problems, including a broken right compensating idler adjusting shock mount. I was looking for info on this track, and ran across this site, which has a lot of great information on operation and ammunition, especially the breech diagrams and operation for those of you who'd like to better detail the breech:
https://inetres.com/gp/military/cv/tank/M551.html
VR, Russ
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
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Posted: Monday, September 30, 2019 - 03:08 AM UTC
OK Shell - trying here to honestly mend some fences.
Yes I was irritated by all the verbiage (a picture can be with a thousand words you know) and also by the extremely dark (totally black square images showing up on my pad) but I went about expressing that frustration in a totally improper manor and I'm sorry. You have been a good friend to me here on Armorama in the past and I was out of line.
I have now downloaded your screen shots and lightened them up using the free GIMP software on my computer. If you find this improper just say the word and I will delete this post. * *
Mike K
165thspc
Battlefield 2 screen captures property of Shell Bush - All Rights Reserved
Suggestion for those who have some sort of photo editing software; before using the "Lighten" tool look first for a tool called "Curves". This tool allows you to control and lighten only parts of the light to dark spectrum. With this tool you can more selectively lighten the dark nighttime background while leaving the main subject (the Sheridan in this case) relatively unchanged.
* * F.Y.I. - Sometimes the amount of modeling detail appearing in a video game isn't even a factor of how much detail the game creator originally put into it but rather of the horsepower of the video card and/or computer running the simulation.
Yes I was irritated by all the verbiage (a picture can be with a thousand words you know) and also by the extremely dark (totally black square images showing up on my pad) but I went about expressing that frustration in a totally improper manor and I'm sorry. You have been a good friend to me here on Armorama in the past and I was out of line.
I have now downloaded your screen shots and lightened them up using the free GIMP software on my computer. If you find this improper just say the word and I will delete this post. * *
Mike K
165thspc
Battlefield 2 screen captures property of Shell Bush - All Rights Reserved
Suggestion for those who have some sort of photo editing software; before using the "Lighten" tool look first for a tool called "Curves". This tool allows you to control and lighten only parts of the light to dark spectrum. With this tool you can more selectively lighten the dark nighttime background while leaving the main subject (the Sheridan in this case) relatively unchanged.
* * F.Y.I. - Sometimes the amount of modeling detail appearing in a video game isn't even a factor of how much detail the game creator originally put into it but rather of the horsepower of the video card and/or computer running the simulation.
trickymissfit
Joined: October 03, 2007
KitMaker: 1,388 posts
Armorama: 1,357 posts
KitMaker: 1,388 posts
Armorama: 1,357 posts
Posted: Monday, September 30, 2019 - 08:28 AM UTC
Kind of a dumb question, but somebody has to ask!
Did the Sheridan use the same tracks and sprockets all thru it's life? I have two sets of Fruil's and at least one Model Kasten set his away for this time. Also, is there a source for more road wheels?
Gary
Did the Sheridan use the same tracks and sprockets all thru it's life? I have two sets of Fruil's and at least one Model Kasten set his away for this time. Also, is there a source for more road wheels?
Gary
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Monday, September 30, 2019 - 09:09 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Kind of a dumb question, but somebody has to ask!
Did the Sheridan use the same tracks and sprockets all thru it's life? I have two sets of Fruil's and at least one Model Kasten set his away for this time. Also, is there a source for more road wheels?
Gary
There's no such thing as a dumb question in model building-- just questions!
Yes is the answer-- except for the very early test vehicles, but I don't think you're referring to them, you're referring to post 1966 production models right? There is one caveat-- the early Sheridan road wheel hub had a clear sight-glass in the center of the hub (well, it was kind of amber colored) that you checked to see if the hub had adequate lubrication with. In the mid-late '70s the glass centers were replaced by lube nipple fittings, and most vehicles in service had those replacements complete by 1980. I don't know about a source for road wheels, but The kits wheels are the best I've seen--with detail on both sides. As far as tracks go, I think Fruil's and Model Kasten's are made for the Academy or Tamiya kits aren't they? As such, I don't know if they'll fit this kit properly.
VR, Russ
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Monday, September 30, 2019 - 09:30 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextThanks Michael! I should add this is a TTS Sheridan with M551A1 features. The searchlight, coax MG, muzzle plug and markings are fictitious.
VR, Russ
I took a walkaround of this vehicle this this summer. The searchlight had me wondering until I realized that it was a "reproduction." Currently it needs a good power washing and a coat of paint. It is a good example of the late M551 with a TTS as Russ mentioned.
John
Just a note about the searchlight-- yes the light itself is a reproduction, but the mount is 100% original. However, since the TTS didn't require a searchlight, it was often removed and replaced with a bolt on plate, which the kit supplies for the TTS version. The markings are also intended to be for the 1st Cavalry Regiment, a unit that was transferred to Ft. Lewis a few years back, but the markings are made up for the 2nd Squadron Commander's vehicle (2-1, HQ 66) circa sometime in the '70s? To my knowledge, the Squadron commander (a Lieutenant Colonel) didn't have a Sheridan. At least not in my Squadron. But maybe in other units.
VR, Russ
brekinapez
Joined: July 26, 2013
KitMaker: 2,272 posts
Armorama: 1,860 posts
Posted: Monday, September 30, 2019 - 03:03 PM UTC
Quoted Text
OK Shell - trying here to honestly mend some fences.
Well, I appreciate that. I was a bit surprised considering our positive interactions in the past.
Quoted Text
Yes I was irritated by all the verbiage (a picture can be with a thousand words you know) and also by the extremely dark (totally black square images showing up on my pad)...
True, but what if the audience doesn't know which thousand you meant? I tend to write quite a bit; would you be surprised to know I used to work in the book publishing industry? Old habits.
As for the pics, I can see the images fine on my end so had no idea they might be darker for other users. Generally, the only editing I do is cropping and resizing to reduce file size. I don't play with anything else and damn sure didn't back in 2008 when I took the original screenshots. Personally I use Irfanview 64, but to some extent they are all identical. In 2008 I might have actually used Paint to resize them. My wife handles the photographic archives.
Quoted Text
* * F.Y.I. - Sometimes the amount of modeling detail appearing in a video game isn't even a factor of how much detail the game creator originally put into it but rather of the horsepower of the video card and/or computer running the simulation.
I know what you're saying, but I believe this was from the first patch on the initial release and a lot of stuff was practically placeholders. It looked pretty janky for the first few patches. I had a pretty good PC as my BF2 clan played matches but the mod just wasn't optimized.
And also, to keep this post relevant to a discussion of the Sheridan: As I exclusively model German WWII (ikr), and if by chance I built one of everything they put into production the next line I would grind would be the Soviet. And certainly not anything post-WWII. But because of how much I enjoyed the vehicle in a mod for an fps, the Sheridan is the one tank I am most likely to build...
...except for that Stuart Light Tank but I did that one as a beutepanzer.
The Tamiya was suggested to me (Thanks, Russ) but I am still interested in what the RFM kit has to offer so I can make a visual comparison between the two.
No hard feelings, Mike. Just remember, though, if you're not in the mood for verbiage just scroll or swipe your way to freedom. It's what all the kids are doing these days. I'm kidding; it's only most of them.
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Monday, September 30, 2019 - 04:13 PM UTC
Glad to hear it Shell! Thanks
By the way the remark regarding video cards and computers was intended only as a general information statement and was not intended to pertain to your images or anything you had said previous.
By the way the remark regarding video cards and computers was intended only as a general information statement and was not intended to pertain to your images or anything you had said previous.
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Monday, September 30, 2019 - 06:10 PM UTC
Shell,
The RFM kit will easily build the model you want, with the details you have on the screen It’s just going to be a lot more complicated and will take longer to build than the Tamiya kit, which sells at a little cheaper price point. But, if I had to chose one, I’d chose the RFM kit, because it has the potential to build all three versions (M551, A1, or TTS in great detail). It would be harder to do that with the Tamiya kit. On the other hand, Modelers who just want a late Vietnam Sheridan can go with Tamiya’s kit.
VR, Russ
The RFM kit will easily build the model you want, with the details you have on the screen It’s just going to be a lot more complicated and will take longer to build than the Tamiya kit, which sells at a little cheaper price point. But, if I had to chose one, I’d chose the RFM kit, because it has the potential to build all three versions (M551, A1, or TTS in great detail). It would be harder to do that with the Tamiya kit. On the other hand, Modelers who just want a late Vietnam Sheridan can go with Tamiya’s kit.
VR, Russ
Vodnik
Joined: March 26, 2003
KitMaker: 4,342 posts
Armorama: 3,938 posts
Posted: Monday, September 30, 2019 - 08:17 PM UTC
Quoted Text
On the other hand, Modelers who just want a late Vietnam Sheridan can go with Tamiya’s kit.
Late? No, not really. Other than the optional birdcage armor, the Tamiya kit has features of an early M551.
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 01, 2019 - 01:00 AM UTC
If you would like to see all of Russ Bucy's 70+ reference photos * * on the monument Sheridan they are available to view at:
https://s1061.photobucket.com/user/165thspc/library/Russ%20Bucy%20Photos?page=1
* * The online file now also contains 40+ sprue shot photos of the new RFM model.
https://s1061.photobucket.com/user/165thspc/library/Russ%20Bucy%20Photos?page=1
* * The online file now also contains 40+ sprue shot photos of the new RFM model.
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 01, 2019 - 01:45 AM UTC
Some very detailed sprue shot photos for the RFM Sheridan provided by Russ Bucy:
Main body moldings:
Main body moldings:
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 01, 2019 - 01:51 AM UTC
And the turret:
Interesting segmented turret molding to maintain detail on sloped surfaces.
Will make for more seams to be filled but I like it. Good effort here! Kudos RFM.
Interesting segmented turret molding to maintain detail on sloped surfaces.
Will make for more seams to be filled but I like it. Good effort here! Kudos RFM.
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