I posted a question earlier about the M10 Road wheels. Now I have anotehr question about the suspension. (I wouldn't have so many questions if the kit didn't have so many variations on parts.) Anyway, the kit has two different types of straps (spring?) that fits along the top. I'm trying to determine which would be correct for the "late" type. Here's a link for a pic of what I'm talking about:

http://www.o5m6.de/vvss.html

In the section under bogie types, one is variant 2, on the left and variant 3 is the other.

Thanks. Hope the link goes through.

http://www.o5m6.de/vvss.html

Got it that time. By the way, these are some super pics of the different varriations of the VSSS.

They are called skids. The type shown in #4-8, are the late type skids. The support roller that is shown in #8 is the latest, commonly called "upswept" support roller arm.

Okay, gotcha'. I had my number off. But I see what you mean. I know most every kit of any sherman variant I've built had what 4-8 look like. Wasn't sure about the otehr type. And now I know what the part is called. My brain fills with knowledge every time I post here. Thanks a ton.

Most likely were #8, the #4-7 are rather rare in kit form. I believe only the Academy M12 SPG, AFV Club M10 and DML M4A1 early came with the 4-7 style support roller.

Looking at it again and then at my builds, I see you are correct.

Just to add to this -- those half-round skids that are included in the Academy kits really have no use on any operational vehicle, as far as photo evidence goes. You'll see them only on prototypes. "Variant 3" from teh page you link was seen occasionally on an early M4A4s.

yep in most of the pictures i've examined the skid and roller combos were almost always the one used..

varient 4 - 8...