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For discussions on tanks, artillery, jeeps, etc.
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RFM Sheridan-- First Look
Kevlar06
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Washington, United States
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Friday, October 04, 2019 - 04:31 PM UTC
I can attest to how "well" the Sheridan burned. I was the OIC at range 42 at Grafenwohr Germany in the winter of 1979 (I think it was in February). We had a delivery of two rebuilt M551A1s to the upload pad in the late afternoon, and they were driven to the firing line. One of them was loading ammo, when one of the caseless rounds was accidentally torn open. The propellant poured out onto the turret floor, and some of it managed to get into the sub turret floor where there was some exposed wiring. The subsequent fire burned all night, the vehicle was totally destroyed, the turret glowing cherry red for several hours before the aluminum hull actually melted into aluminum rivulets flowing off the concrete pad. In the late morning, after things had cooled down, we went out with shovels and picks and broke up the cooled aluminum for "souvenirs". There wasn't much left identifiable except parts of the turret, launcher and engine block.
VR, Russ
jps
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Wisconsin, United States
Joined: February 06, 2006
KitMaker: 147 posts
Armorama: 140 posts
Posted: Saturday, October 05, 2019 - 11:46 AM UTC
Started my Sheridan today decided to start on the suspension so I could get the tracks done early. Nice kit nice details and the instructions.
Dave
Kevlar06
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Washington, United States
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Saturday, October 05, 2019 - 01:59 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Started my Sheridan today decided to start on the suspension so I could get the tracks done early. Nice kit nice details and the instructions.
Dave



...."and the instructions."?

I went over the instructions...at least 6 times...and found them well illustrated, but, they can be confusing between the M551A1 and M551A1/TTS version. There are at least two steps (19 & 23) that are completely missing (numerically, but I don't think any actual steps are missing). And there are apparently two small parts left out of the coupula that are not covered (E25 & E26). Also, if you're building an early M551A1, don't drill the holes in the front of the hull top, that's not mentioned , and should be primarily for TTS vehicles. There are some other minor issues too, like the lack of color call-outs also, so, my advice-- be careful and have some references as you build the kit. I didn't find the instructions to be awful, but they could have been better.
VR, Russ
trickymissfit
Joined: October 03, 2007
KitMaker: 1,388 posts
Armorama: 1,357 posts
Posted: Saturday, October 05, 2019 - 02:05 PM UTC

Quoted Text

I can attest to how "well" the Sheridan burned. I was the OIC at range 42 at Grafenwohr Germany in the winter of 1979 (I think it was in February). We had a delivery of two rebuilt M551A1s to the upload pad in the late afternoon, and they were driven to the firing line. One of them was loading ammo, when one of the caseless rounds was accident ftally torn open. The propellant poured out onto the turret floor, and some of it managed to get into the sub turret floor where there was some exposed wiring. The subsequent fire burned all night, the vehicle was totally destroyed, the turret glowing cherry red for several hours before the aluminum hull actually melted into aluminum rivulets flowing off the concrete pad. In the late morning, after things had cooled down, we went out with shovels and picks and broke up the cooled aluminum for "souvenirs". There wasn't much left identifiable except parts of the turret, launcher and engine block.
VR, Russ


I saw one take a 90mm heat round right in the side. Got so hot burning, that the aluminum started burning! Took it about forty five minutes after the diesel fuel lit up. After that it got real ugly. There wasn't much for the M88 to latch onto. Driver and TC got out without a scratch. Last time I ever hitched a ride on a track. Safer to walk a few klicks
Gary
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