Academy's M12 comes with 2 styles of return skids ( that metal plate on top of the bogie). I've looked at a lot of reference photos and I can't recall ever seeing the "half-moon" type return skid in any of them. Does anyone know when and where was this type of skid was used ?
Thanks,
Cob

I believe the "half moon skids were early. Let me look in my MMiR Guide to the Sherman and I will get back to you.

Jeff

As promised I have checked my references, Hunnicutt's book on the Sherman and MMiR's publication on teh Sherman. The half-moon skid plate was briefly covered in teh two references. It was the first style of skid plate when the early Type 1 bogie truck was replaced (the bogie that came from the M3 Lee/Grant, where the return roller sits on top or the bogie truck). Hunnicutt barely mentions the "half-moon" skid plate, while the "Moderler's Guide to the Sherman" states that it was seen on early M4A4, before being replaced by later versions of skid plares.

My recommendation is to not use the "half moon" skid plate, but save for an M4A4 kit.

A minor fact of interest: Hunnicutt in his book states that the term "bogie truck", shortened thru use to just "bogie" comes from the railroad industry, which built a lot of tanks during WW2

Hope this helps.

Jeff

Jeff thanks for the research!
I think I will use those "half-moon" skids on my DML M4A4. Once more I kick myself in the behind for not picking up a copy of Hunnicutt's definitive book on the Sherman when it was cheaper and more easily available.
Thanks again,
Cob