Here is my build log for my 1/35 Canadian M4 Grizzly with 17 pdr. This build is a big group effort and I need to start of with thanks. Thank you @SSGToms, @Mead93 and @Armor_Buff and @DennisatAutoloader for your amazing help in this build.
Some history on the M4 Grizzly.
The Grizzly I was a Canadian-built M4A1 Sherman tank with some modifications, it had thicker armor (applique armor welded or extra-casting in the sides of upper hull and casting armor in the right cheek of the turret), had a longer range, and, most notably was fitted with Canadian Dry Pin (CDP) tracks, which did not require rubber, a scarce wartime material.
After the fall of France, it was decided the nascent Canadian armored divisions would be equipped by tanks produced in Canada. The result was the Ram cruiser tank, based on the chassis and running gear of the US M3 Lee. Rams were produced by the Montreal Locomotive Works from 1941 to 1943. The M3 was succeeded by the superior M4 Sherman.
In September 1942, specifications were issued in Canada for the production of the Sherman modified to meet Canadian requirements. It was intended to replace the Ram Mk II on the assembly lines at the Montreal Locomotive Works. The change over was delayed until August 1943 to minimize any disruption of the production effort. The model of the Sherman selected was the M4A1 designated by the Canadians as the Grizzly 1.
It was essentially identical to the U.S. version except for British stowage and the installation of a Number 19 radio set and a 2 inch bomb thrower (smoke mortar) in the turret.
The latter item was subsequently adopted as standard on U.S. tanks. Some of the Grizzlies were fitted with the short pitch Canadian Dry Pin (CDP) track requiring special 17 tooth sprockets. In comparison, the M4 used 13 tooth drive sprockets. The CDP track was lighter and simpler than the standard US tracks and did not require rubber, which was scarce since the Japanese advance into Southeast Asia.
The particular Grizzly Iām building
During the war the British shipped over a 17 pdr to Canada that the Canadians then mounted into a Grizzly. Iām not sure if it was a full conversion or not.
(I will update this when the Canadian war museum emails me back)
It is currently on display in at the Borden War museum in Canada.
The kit
For the build I will be using the 1/35 Dragon M4a1 early
(Sent by Matt)
It looks like a perfect kit to use as a base, with great details.
The Aftermarket parts
1/35 Friulmodels CDP tracks for Grizzly and Sexton
1/35 Solid M4 road wheels
(Sent by Wade)
1/35 Applique armor and rear bin for a Firefly
(Sent by Mead)
1/35 Decals by Autoloader
(Made by Dennis)
Parts still needed
1/35 Sherman firefly turret top half
1/35 Sherman firefly Hatches
1/35 Sherman Firefly barrel
Next update will come when I receive the first packages.
