I have two questions. First concerns the lifting eyes on the hulls of the Sherman series. Some we welded directly onto the hull, but others were welded to what looks like a rectangular re-enforcing base. Does anyone know the rhyme or reson to which style was used?

Second; There was a U.S. unit that had a cartoon figure of a turtle on the hulls of it's Shermans called "Joe Peckerwood". I'm at work right now so I can't provide the unit ID. Does anyone know of an AM set that includes that marking as a decal or dry transfer?

Only guessing at your first question: it probably was a manufacturing expedient for some factories to weld the loop on the base whereas others could weld the loop directly to the hull plates.

As for the second question: look here:

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/bison/bd35030.htm

Bison Decals does a sheet of the 70th TB which landed on the Normandy DDay.

Roy, the Bison set is right on the mark. I tried to order it but it's temporarily out of print. Hopefully it will be back in stock soon.

Thanks!

Roy-- I have the Bison set (1/48 scale). If you need them send me a PM.
DJ

Gday Guy
I have the decal set in question, and am ready to give a first coat of OD to my M4... I have decided on 'Columbia Lou' which carries the red '15' on the hull sides... You get plenty of the Joe Peckerwood logos too!
Have been doing what research I can on the 70TB on and after Normandy, so if you have any questions i may be able to answer or at least steer you in the right direction... Found out a thing or two extra/different compared to the decal placement as instructed maybe?
Cheers
Brad

Brad, I just sent you a PM. Any additional info you have would be appreciated.