Good day folks starting to gather reference material for Sherman III build. I have seen various pictures of them with solid and open spoke wheels, some having both. As well the three variants of drive sprockets, and two variants of idlers. Are all acceptable, or one more correct than the other? I can not find any definitive answers?
Cheers Dennis
2 Likes
Look for a reference photo of a particular tank you wish to model. At the very least from the same unit. It’s hard to lay down any specific rules regarding this because of the wide variety available. Aside from the open spoke wheels being the original early production type, then the other types being introduced as the war went on and the reports came in from battlefield experiences.
2 Likes
Wheels were “consumables” so you got whatever was in stock when replacement time came. Most (all?) the M4A2s would have left the factory on open-spoke wheels, so it’s a case of time-frame for your model - the later stamped wheels became more abundant later in the war, and were factory-standard on later Shermans. There’s no rule about using up old stocks, but at some point the warehouses would fill with stamped wheels to fill the gap once the spoked ones were used up…
3 Likes
Trying to model a couple of Canadian units South Alberta, and Lord Strathcona Horse. Using 1:35 scale Asuka Sherman lll mid. prod. cast driver hood.
Sometime after D Day , not sure if it will be France or Holland. Have upgraded set of tracks.
Seems most photos show quite a variety of running gear and accessories.
Cheers Dennis
2 Likes
Thanks for the quick reply. Yes it seems that the photos I have show quite a variety and mixtures of products.
Trying to model some Canadian units sometime after D Day in France or Holland. Not sure which.
Cheers Dennis
2 Likes
For the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), they were issued with M4A4’s Sherman on arrival in Italy, and most continued to serve in NWE. Here is a C Squadron Tank of the Strathcona’s in Holland 45, for reference…
2 Likes
For whatever reason, call it variety, I always like to toss in an odd road wheel if I have one handy. So many pictures have an odd one here and there that it just feels correct to do. Though my drive sprockets always match for whatever reason.
1 Like
Besides what the factory used at the time there was always the field depot factor. If road wheels needed replacing (damage, wear & tear) the depot would use what they had. If there was an oldr version in the heap and it was useable … They were all interchangeable. (Soviet T-34 was the same. Late war could have a mix of all types. WIP: T-34 Obr. 1942. 3d Co.,2nd Regt. 1st Tank Brigade. 1st Polish Army. , Magnuszew , Poland. Aug. 1944. with early, mid war road wheels ) Here’s some info on VVSS suspension/ rod wheels. Also, go to the home page and search the M4A2 section for the Sherman III info. Sherman VVSS suspension (free.fr)
3 Likes
Replacing one of the front ones with a different type makes sense in that those are often the ones damaged by running over a land mine.
2 Likes