Hi all,

My ongoing build is to convert an RFM Sherman Firefly Vc to an IDF M50. As an WWII Allied modeller I know lot about the M4 tank family but very less about IDF and IDF Shermans. I would like to depict my M50 as a vehicle from Six day war or Yom Kippur war, M4A4 based with HVSS.
So, my questions are:
What was the correct engine deck and rear armor layout in an M50 of that period?
What was the correct hull stowage layout?
What was the size of the loaders hatch cut later on a low bustle D50878 turret roof? The same small as on original 75 mm turrets or the larger as on 76 mm turrets?
Were the discs present on the HVSS drive sprockets similar as on Pershing and Patton tanks?
And the last and most silly q: What was the base color of IDF M50s of that period?

Thanks in advance for your kindly help!

Regards,

Adam Marot

as its a M4A4:

cummins deck without louvres for 67, with louvres for 73
no underhang extension box, exhaust pipe on rear of hull not on engine deck
2 stowage boxes per side, check pics for jerrycans
I suggest you get the shapeways M50 conversion set, that has the field modded hatch as well as the bustle extension so the roof hatch issue is sorted
HVSS discs may or may not have been (no fixed rule)
I use Lifecolor pre 82 sandgrey on my six day war models, or 'Hemp' for 73

MJH

Mark,

Thanks for your very detailed reply!
Please let me two questions regarding to your answers.
What do you mean "no underhang extension box"?
As Lifecolor IDF sandgrey you mean UA901?

Regards,

Adam

On short hull Sherman's the IDF extended the engine access doors on the rear lower hull vertical plate to fit the engine, this wasn't needed on the long hull of the A4 variant.

UA020 is the colour I use, although it states it is for 67_73 it's too yellow for yom Kippur war in my opinion

Thanks,

Now it's clear. As the build progress I will ask more questions in this topic.

Regards,

Adam Marot

Are you aware of this book from Tom Gannon?
https://www.trackpadpublishing.com/product-page/the-sherman-in-the-c15-50hilean-army