Hello all, I was wondering if anyone could tell me the differences between the Vietnam-era M551 Sheridan scout tank and the M551A1 version used in Operation: Desert Storm? I was thinking about getting the Academy M551, and was wondering what all would be required to bring it to A1 standards, and if any update kits exist for this purpose? Any info anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated.

I assume that you already know my review of Academy miserable Sheridan kit (https://armorama.kitmaker.net/review/875).

If you do and still want to get the kit then I can tell you that at the moment there are no update kits available.

During Desert Storm M551A1TTS variant was used. In 1990 M551A1s were sent to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield, but before Desert Storm started they were replaced with M551A1TTS.

Most important external differences between M551 and M551A1 are:
- the laser rangefinder installed under the commander's machine gun mount and some boxes associated with rangefinder added inside the commander's armored "cage"
- new style grenade launchers installed on the turret .

M551A1TTS additionally had thermal viewer installed. Honestly speaking I don't remember at the moment what external changes were associated with installation of thermal sight (probably gunner's sight housing was modified).

Also note that in Academy kit you get a storage rack which is very non-standard and was only used by one unit during Vietnam war. Completely different turret rack was used on ODS M551A1TTS.

Pawel

Vodnik is right on the money with his assessment. The TTS doghouse (sight) looked slightly different than the one used for the M44 sight.. The boxes he refers to being in the cupola area were the Receiver transmitter and battery for the laser range finder. Other that that the exterior visual differences were nil. IF you need more info let me kow. I commanded one with the 82nd ABN for several years and have it down pat. Lots of ref pics, and manuals as well. "Q"

Does anybody out there have pictures or a link to pictures of these. It always helps those of us who are dumb enough to try such conversions.

AEF Designs does a M551A1 conversion set if you were still interested.
AEF US Military Page
Kyle

Hmmm... They write that the set contains "TTS sighting system" while the photo of resin parts clearly shows the original kit sight doghouse... I believe AEF thought about laser rangefinder that is included indeed. And what is "TTS commander's bucket"?... I guess they mean the bird cage with laser rangefinder receiver/transmitter and battery - these parts have nothing to do with TTS (tank thermal sight). It is not a good sign when conversion manufacturer has no idea what parts they are making....
The new bustle rack is not good - it seems too large and shape looks off on the photo. But maybe this is just a photo quality that makes it look so bad.

Pawel

I can scan what photos I have of the Dog house (Site unit) and post them here. The bustle rack is another issue all together. I had to scratch build mine out of brass rod. Although I think plastic rod would have been easier. I have the demensions for it, and will post those along with some simple drawings if I can find the time. Extremely busy at the moment selling our house. And as to AEF stuff..... I go the other way, actually I run the other way. Don't get me started on this topic Back later. "Q"

Reference pics are going to have to wait. I seemed to have packed them up for this move. I won't be unpacking anything until probably Dec or January. Sorry about that Sorry for the screw up. "Q"