_ SHERMAN TANK 151-1063 PRODUCTION MODELS By Chris Ellis and Peter Chamberlain Drawings by Kenneth M. JonesKenneth M. Jones (Below) Air recognition sign painted on character ‘Henry Vehicle mascot Kit marking ing | cates Pz IV destroyed during Ortona fight ing Sherman ¥ (MAAS) of 12th Canadian Tank Regiment.’ Squadron, Troop Sergeants tank, No. 1 Trooy Battle of Ortona, December 1943 |“The M4 Medium Tank was numerically the most important Alli this re worked M442 equipped the Tchad Regiment of the French 2nd Armoured Division and was pictured in ‘Normandy soon ajter landing in August 1948. 1t is featured in colour on the rear cover (US. Official). SHERMAN TANK PRODUCTION MODELS, 1941-45 Copyright Chris Ellis ond Peter Chamberlain, 1970 Drawings copyright Kenneth M. Jones and D. P. Dyer, 1970. Contents Page Part 1: development history eee Pare 2: production models illustrated 8 Ms 8 Maal ; 10 M4Az z as Mag 13,15 Mana 12,20 MAG ee 1:76 scale reductions = 24, cover iii Table 1 Ea Table 2 2B Table 3 B Table 4 2B Colour drawings MaA2 Cover iv M4A4 (Firefly) Cover iii Maas SO cover it Maal ~ mm Coveriv ‘Almarks Publishing Co, First published 1970. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior ‘permission from the publishers. THIS publication dealing with the M4 series, Sherman tank, is intended mainly to supplement what has already been published on the subject, though at the same time it remains complete in itself. Instead of dealing with the entire range of Sherman variants in one volume, however, this book deals in great detail with the different basic production models, Using extensive pictorial coverage and artwork to illustrate the numerous differences between early and late models and the production types themselves. To avold unnecessary duplication of what has been published before we have not repeated drawings of variants which have 50 far appeared in either the lona or Profiles series. The present volume will, we hope, be of particular value to modellers and armour ‘enthusiasts requiring excensive visual references. The drawings are to 1:48 scale with 1:76 scale reductions especially for modellers, though the colour art has been reproduced to make best use of available space, and is not to constant scale. All these drawings are by Kenneth M. Jones. Thanks are due to D. P. Dyer for the drawings showing engine cover differences whereby the different models can be distinguished most easily. Colonel R. J. leks, USAR (retd.), and Richard P. Hunnicute have kindly supplied some of the photographs from their extensive files and acknowledgment must go to Mr. Hunnicutt for his extensive original research into Sherman production figures and dates as reproduced here.Anove: tn the British as the Le ‘and a 37mm shown here (Canadian Official). 16 Medium Tank, prototype fe which had its 75mm in is offset turret, di Lerr the Mi position of which is cle Wooden mock-up of tediate forerunner o} the Ma was the M3, known fo in in a hull Barbette ly the gun moved to. turret mount, plus cupola om turret and twin fixed Offical. PART 1: DEVELOPMENT of the M4 series of medium tanks led directly from the German use of P2kpfw IV tanks armed with low velocity 75mm guns in their lightning invasion of France and Flanders in May 1940 At this time the United States was, of course, a neutral country but the declaration of war in Europe in September 1939 had already given impetus to American re-armament. In 1938 a new design of medium tank had been produced for the US. Army the M2. which had a 37mm gun as main armament. In the winter of 1939-40 an improved version of the M2 was developed. the MZAl which was envisaged for production in 1940 as part of the re-armament scheme, The US. Army was particularly deficient in tanks at this time due to the financial stringencies of defence spending in the 1930s, Lace in June 1940 a new National Munitions Program was announced and this called for medium tanks on a scale of about 1,000 a month for the next 18 months. To produce tanks in these hitherto un- precedented quantities the newly established National Defense Advisory Commission suggested that the ‘automobile industry should be co-opted as prime tank producers, utilising the planning and production experience of the car makers to set up what amounted to mass-production facilities for tanks. The Ordnance Department, responsible for all American military weapon design and procurement hitherto, had mean while planned to place orders for tanks with heavy engineering plants and locomotive producers in the event of national emergency since government arsenals did not have the capacity for tank production on the scale envisaged in any sort of wartime conditions. On the initiative of William S. Knudsen, member of the National Defense Advisory Commission responsible for mechanised weapons (and President of General mms in hall front, features inherited from the M3 (US, DEVELOPMENT Motors), the Chrysler Corp was asked to erect @ special arsenal for medium tank production at Detroit fon behalf of the U.S. Government. An initial contract for 1,000 M2Al medium tanks was. placed with Chrysler on August 15, 1940, which included erection and organisation of the factory later to become known as the Detroit Tank Arsenal. Meanwhile the appearance of the 75mm guns in German tanks produced a swift re-action from the Chief of Infantry who was still responsible for tanks in the US. Army in June 1940. In a staff memorandum submitted to the Ordnance Department by the Chief of Infantry on June 5, 1940, it was pointed out that the M2 and MZA1 medium tanks had been rendersd technically obsolete virtually overnight by the heavier calibre guns now fitted to the German tanks—a Oma gun was also noted in some German tanks. It was commended that 2 7Smm gun be fitted to American tanks as swiftly as possible. Soon after this on July 10, 1940, responsibility for tank forces in the U.S. Army was taken over by a newly established Armored Force, commanded by General Adna R. Chaffee, who inherited the initial ideas for a tank with 75mm gun at the same time. In mid-August 1940, Chaffee and his staff met Ordnance Department representatives at Aberdeen Proving Ground to discuss future requirements with sp emphasis on the need for a tank with the 75mm gun. Characteristics Characteristics agreed upon were the need for thicker armour than the existing M2 and M2A1 but the same chassis and mechanical layout. The 75mm gun was to be turret mounted with an all-round traverse. How- ever, in the existing M2AI turret it was not possible to fit a 75mm gun due to the small ring diameter and it would be necessary to design a new turretfrom scratch. This in itself involved lengthy design and development work for the turret would need bigger castings in armour plate than any previously attempted in America at thar cime, Because of the urgency of the matter, therefore, a compromise design wat decided upon in which the 75mm gun would be mounted in the right hull sponson with the 37mm gun of the M2AI retained in a turret This was not # sitisfactory arrangement in tactical terms because the traverse of the all-important 75mm gun was severely limited. It was accepted as an expedient for immediate production. however, while design of a vehicle with urret-mounted 75mm gun was undertaken, The interim design, with hull-mounted gun, became the M3 medium tank and superseded the M2A\ in the order placed with Chrysler for production at the Decroit Tank Arsenal. In the meantime the Ordnance Department also placed orders for the M3—later VT | me & a famous as the Lee—with Baldwin and American Loco motive Co. two heavy engineering facilities. M3 pilot models were ready by April 1941 and full production was underway the following July. con- tinuing until December 1942 by which time the M3 had been fully supplanted on production lines by its planned succestor, the M4 wich 7Smm gun in the turret. M3_design had been completed in March 1941 and the Ordnance Department instantly began work on ies replacement. in April five provisional schemes were shown to the Armored Force who selected the Simplest for development. Designated Medium Tank T6, this was to have the same chassis and mechanical layout as the M2A1 and M3, a turtle-shaped cast hull, access doors in the side, and a centrally mounted cast turret carrying 75mm gun. A cupola was to be mounted fon the turret as in the M3 and ancther feature derived from the M3 was to be twin 30 cal machine guns in a fixed mount in the hull front. A wooden mock- up with all these characteristics was completed, and inspected by the Armored Force Board in May, 1941. Approval was given to proceed with a prototype vehicle subject to derail changes The T6 proper was completed in September 1941, with minor changes which included removal of the cupola. It is thought that this, and the then novel idea—by US Army standarés—of mounting the radio equipment at the back of the turret instead of inside The T6 shown in these 1wo views differed from the mock-up. in fhaving no cupola, Side doors were dropped from production vehicles. Note the riveted chassis and ‘first type’ bogies derived directly from the M3. The M2. gun has a Counterweight to simulate the weight of the longer M3 gun, Not Nisible here is the fact that the T6 had only a driver's hateh in the hull front. Rotor sight for the 75min gun is clearly shown US. Official. For 76 scle drawing we Bellona Prine, No. 11 the hull, stemmed from British influence, via the Dritish Tank Mission which was then in America to procure tanks for British service. Another British device later incorporated in the design (after stan- dardisation) wes a 2inch smoke mortar mounted in the turret roof. The T6 was standardised as the Medium Tank M4 in October 1941 after satisfactory conclusion of, running trials at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland Plans were made to put the M4 Into production in early 1942 with a phased replacement of the M3 series vehicles on the various assembly lines then in opera- tion. A major design change before production began ‘was the elimination of the side doors which gave a stronger structure and simplified production. The cast turtle-shaped hull presented further production prob- lems since casting facilities at the heavy engineering planes would not be able to meet the demand which at one stage in 1942 was set at a target of 2,000 Vehicles a month (though this was soon scaled down). ‘Accordingly a simpler box-like welded hull was designed which was within the less sophisticated pro- duction capabilities of plants without casting facilities for experience, The vehicles with welded hulls were designated M4 and those with cast hulls M4A1 The M4 in production The M4 series vehicles were built in eleven different plants and hundreds of outside sub-contractors wereinvolved in the supply of components. The M4 or Sherman as ic was known to the British, was produced in greater numbers than any American tank before or since and became the standard medium tank produced in the United States armament programme from 1942 44, with production tailing off at the war's end 1945. In addition to plants which had been building M3s and, in 1942, switched to M4s, Ford Motor Co, Federal Machine and Welder, Pacific Car and Foundry, and Fisher Body were all involved in building various models of the M4, A second purpose-built plant to turn out tanks was built (from January 1942) and operated at Grand Blanc, Michigan, by Fisher Body on similar terms to the Chrysler-operated Detroit Tank Arsenal. Details of production figures and builders are given in Table 1 at the end of this book. M4 models As originally designed the M4 had the same engine and chassis as ics predecessors, the M2Al and M3. The Wright-built Continental R-975 engine was basically a de-rated and adapted aero engine. with nine cylinder radial layout and air-cooled. This was a a very efficient unit, original adaptation of which stemmed from the ‘thirties when It was cheaper to use an existing aero engine than work out a new design specifically for tanks. However, the massive US. re-armament scheme of 1940-42 made it quickly apparent that thls source of engines would be in- sufficient to meet demand, particularly as aircraft production had also been greatly expanded with ‘consequent demand for the same engine. Alternative Power units were thus needed by the time the M3 Medium (Lee) went into production in 1941. A few Guiberson T-1400 diesel motors were the first used to alleviate the supply problem but these were not entirely satisfactory and were never used in the MA Other types of engine were used, however, and these gave rise to the different production models in the M4 series as summarised below M4: Original design with Continental engine but with the simplified all-welded hull instead of the cast hull initially devised. Actually the third type to go into produc with cast hull and Continental engine. First type in producto M4A2: Welded hull but utilising the General Motors 6046 twin diesel engine. This had been pro- Ricur: The pilot model M4A2 under consiruction at Fisher Body, Flint, “Michigan, in May 194%, This view of the basic hull shows well ‘the early design features. Note the vision ports for driver and assistant driver and the aper- tures for the fixed hull. front ‘machine guns, also the “first type bogie unit lower left (US. Official). Note: Tamiya Sherman model depts 2 WMARER eo. production weandarde ‘ebicle shown fee on page 5. but ft with M142 Témm_ gen First M4 series vehicles were M4Als which went into production at the Lima Locomotive works, Lima, Ohio, in April 1942. Here the turret is lowered into vehicle No. 8 on the line, Note the ‘first type’ vertical volue boxies ‘with return rollers atop the bracket (US. Official. duced from January 1941 for the M3A3 medium tank and was adapted for the M4 immediately production was authorised. The unit consisted of two GM truck engines one each side of the engine compartment each geared co a common prop shaft. The M4A2 was the second type actually in. production. M4A3: Welded hull but utilising the Ford GAA engine, a V-8 unit which was specially developed as a tank engine to replace the Continental. Ie was authorised “for production in January 1942. being developed by Ford on behalf of the Ordnance Depart: ment. It subsequently became the new standard tank engine and the M4A3 became the most important model in US. service together with the M4 and M4Al Other types. with extemporised engines, were mainly allocated to Lend-Lease supplies MAA: Another extempurised engine, this time“Awove: Shermans played @ they were first used in combat ons ajor part in turning the batince in Bricin's favour at Alamein in October 1942 when Shown at Alamein are three M4A25 (British Sherman Ills), Note the turret Siowage boxes and sandshields which are British additions, the ‘fir type’ boxies, the solid road wheels on nearest vehicle, and spoked wheels on the others (WM-BM2 developed by Chrysler, featured five 6-cylinder engines fon a common shaft. It was first used in the M3A4, buile at Detroit Arsenal, and was continued in use in the M4A4, Due to the size of this engine it was necessary to lengthen the rear of the hull and re-space the bogies accordingly. This was the most distinctive distinguishing feature of this model, The Chrysler Multibank engine was considered complicated by the Ordnance Department and the M4A4 was the first model to be phased out of production in September 1943. M4A6: As a proposed replacement for the earlier interim engines, the Ordnance Department selected the Caterpillar D-200A diesel motor after a series of competitive trials, Under the Ordnance designation RD-1820, this was used to replace the Chrysler engine in the M4A4, the resulting new model becoming the MAG. However, at the end of 1943 it war decided to standardise on the Ford and Continental engined models, only, and M4Aé production came to a premature end. ‘There was no MAAS as such ; this designation was used by the U.S. Ordnance Department as a ‘paper’ designation for the Ram, built and developed in Canada. ‘Other physical characteristics of the various M4 series models are described with the illustrations. Two important types developed by the Americans and MAA3E2 was a ‘heavy assault tank’ unofficially called for the invasion of NW. Europe British respectively are shown here ‘Jumbo’ of which 284 were built as interim heavy tanks in “1944 with JOOmm armour thickness. See also picture on page 18. 10WB). Production improvements ‘The earliest M4 vehicles in production had vertical volute spring bogies with return rollers mounted immediately above, known as ‘first type’ suspension Subsequently a modified suspension, “second type’, was used which had trailing return rollers. The initial design had twin fixed machine guns in the hull front and early vehicles appeared so fitted. The value of these weapons was limited, however, and they were soon removed to simplify production. Similarly vision ports initially provided for the driver and assistant driver were also soon eliminated in favour of periscopes The main (75mm) gun and co-axial machine gun were in a mantlet designated Combination Gun Mount M34 on early production vehicles. This offered armour protection for the 75mm gun only, and in later vehicles in improved mount, M34A1., was introduced (approved in October 1942) which had a full-width armour shield A final basic change was the use of a cast one-piece hose transmission ‘cover in place of the three-piece bolted assembly initially used. Table 1 gives details of which models were affected. Most later vehicles were also fitted with sandshields Brow Leet: The Rick Most heavily armed Sherman of all was ihe Firefly which was fitted by the Brlish with a \Tpdr, gun and could ‘match the German Panther in hitting power. Sherman VC by the British, ‘Most Fireflies were converted from MAA4s, See alto p as here, designated ture on page 8 WWM)Anove: Major aie tie s ihe Ford-engined MSA3 in which was embodied all the Ma todel_us ny was entgn improvements. This vehicle has the lerger 123 type tarret, 16min M\AL ‘gun, wet stowage, and 47° hull front, 1 was pictured during the advance on Colmar in Februcry 1948 (U.S, Officiad Design improvements structure faces. Originally conventional ‘dry’ racks The quest for more powerful gun armament was met by the introduction of the 7émm (3 inch) high velocity weapon, based on an earlier AA gun. The Ordnance Department carried out design work in July-August 1942 and che weapon was tested in September 1942 fitted in a standard turret. This proved foo small to hold the gua comfortably and later the turret of the 123 medium tank was adapted to hold the gun and this was subsequently used in all models in the M4 series produced with the 6mm gun. The T23 was a medium tank design planned to succeed the M4 but never standardised and produced only in small numbers. To provide vehicles for the close-support role in the HQ companies of medium tank battalions, versions of the M4 and M4A3 were produced with 105mm howitzers replacing the 75mm guns and with re: arranged ammunition stowage. These are more fully described in pictures. ‘A major change in models with welded hulls intro- duced with the T23 curret and 7émm gun was the 47° hull front. This steeper front eliminated che raised drivers’ hatchways and so greatly simplified production—it also offered a marginal improvement iin protection, At the same time the steeper hull front also allowed larger access hatches for the driver and assistant driver. Coincidental with the revised hull came the so-called ‘wet stowage’ for the ammunition stowage which was sited inside the vertical super hhad been used, but the frequency of fires led to new racks being designed which had an outer “hellow’ easing containing a mixture of water and glycerine to reduce hazards from combustion. Very late M4A3s with 75mm guns also had wee stowage. All these late vehicles also had improved vision devices. including 4 rotating vision cupola for the commander and a rotating or, alternatively, a small hatch for the loader Finally there was the introduction of horizontal volute spring suspension in place of the vertical volute type. HVSS was designed to give improved flotation and simpler maintenance. Track width with HIVSS was increased from the original 16) inch to 23 inch and each bogie had four wheels with the return rellers attached directly to the chassis sides. Any wheel could be removed and replaced without dis: turbing any adjacent wheels. With the old vertical volute suspension minor damage sometimes necesti tated removing the complete bogie to carry out repairs. HVSS and its associated 766 track was developed in late 1943 and was fitted to M4 series Vehicles in production from late 1944 onwards ‘Apart from the Té track for HVSS vehicles, which was of rubber chevron type. the earlier vehicles could be fitted with any of four different types of track, all of which were interchangeable, These were rubber block (the original type), stech, rubber chevron, or steel chevron. The steel. tracks were introduced mainly co conserve rubber and in Vas 1943-44 10. bring numbers of earlier M4 series vehicle ‘reworked and reconditioned in them upto later. production andards, Pictured ai @'U.S. Army ordnance park tn S.E. England in May 1948 are early Mas and MaAls with appliqné armour added uw)practice they were found almost as good and durable as the rubber type. In certain cheatres (eg. Italy) steel tracks were mainly used, but whatever the theeries, the different types were usually well mixed at any given time. A steel and rubber composite chevron 23. inch track for HVSS was also introduced. The 16) inch tracks had side guides while che 23 inch tracks had centre guides. To increase the effective width of the 16) inch tracks, extended end connectors (or ‘grousers') were supplied which excended overall shoe width by a quarter for use in muddy or icy conditions. A’ special grouser compartment was, furnished in the rear superstructure to carry these. Grousers were also developed for use on the 23 inch tracks but these were not actually produced until after phe war and they were rarely used Reworked vehicles In addition to the modified production vehicles which were being turned out in 1944, the same year saw a massive ‘rework’ programme involving 5.860 early production vehicles which were completely re-manufactured in the main tank arsenals and by the other medium tank producers. All models except the M4A6 were involved in this scheme and most were vehicles which had already seen extensive Tor oF act: Cut-way view of a M442 shows the installation. for the bwin GM diesel engines (with radiator above), drive shaft passing under turret cage, ready-use an and" driver's. controls at front. Note radio at rear of turret Rice: Flexibility of the vertical volute suspension is well shown on this French M&A2 landing. from LST ai Normandy (US. Offical * = IBiitere service with armoured divisions in the USA. or Canada. Apart from a complete overhaul, new tracks, new wiring, etc, some had new engines, guns, mantlets, ete. A commen fitting was appliqué armour fon the sides of the hull and on the frone quarcers Of the curret, Some had extra armour plates on the drivers’ hatchways as well. These reworked vehicles were widely seen in US. armoured divisions in Europe 1944-45 where they were used as replacements for te tupplement new vehicles. The M4s. supplied to the French armoured divisions were also from the rework programme. The British also reworked many of the vehicles supplied to them (also receiving reworked vehicles direct from the US.A.). Most commen addition seen fon many vehicles was appliqué armour on the hull Sides over the ammunition racks and these became a standard ‘in service’ modification as well. Two plates, were added on the right side and one on the left, all spot-welded in place corresponding to the ammunition rack positions. Spare track shoes, sand- bags and even metal sheets were used in other ‘in service’ attempts to improve on the M4’s armour protection which was thin by the standards on 1944-45,PART 2: PRODUCTION MODELS M4 (BRITISH : SHERMAN 1!) Avove: Earliest production ‘mounts, three-piece transin covers in nove, spoked Wheels, and rotor sight (sib “small ‘bump’ here). L Stightly later production» hhad "second type’ bog! gun mount, stondard peri dand three-piece nose. Note disc wheels and. rubber tracks (US. Officla). Note: Airfix it of Sherman thown in picture on lft Mas ‘had “first type’ Bogles, M34 gun road bie as model M34 scope ‘oll block Septet “MA to" production “sandsras Brow: The British modified many Shermans of various BELOW: General arrangement of MA rear decking is man marks 10 take the \Tpdr gun in which form the vehicle means of identifying this model. Early models had ‘cut was known as ihe Firefly. Shown is a Sherman \C, a away tn supersiructure lower rear as shown tn the Sherman converted Ma. Note the rear turret extension which held 1C on left. the radio displaced by the new gunn plus counterweights to Balance the turret (IWM-B9471) Shores te actual Copyright Ore Byer IMPORTANT Drawing above howe decking ofthe, M4Aq re fn pase 20." Drawing on dvertnt “transpose.Avove AND Betow Ricttt: The M4 (10Smm) was a howitzer-armed vehicle which equipped HQ companies. This ise midi984 production vehicle displaying the 7° hull front and enlarged drivers ha an extra turret ventilator w 1 howite ehicles due to the increased fumes from HE firing. Note the haich for the commander. Vehicle has mbber chevron tracks. Note the ‘slid cle is showing prescribed star markings not often fully displayed on service British designation: Sherman 1B (U.S. Offical road wheels. with drain Anove Ler ery late production M4 from mid-\944 had a welded hull with cast front as also featured in the MAG. It also had the M34A1. combination gun mount and cast one-piece transmission cover on the nose. Note ihe ‘solid’ road wheels with drain holes, Vehicle is shown fully waterproofed for wading, with exhaust and intake irunking and sealed mantler and hull apertures, To the British this model was known ax the Sherman Hybrid 1 ne nl WS. Official drawing see Balers Pen No" Ricur: Final production version of the M4 (I0Smim) had" horizomal volute spring_suspension and. the wlde T66 tracks. This was Duis from September 1944 roduction ceased in Wad a ing ring Ihaich, The British twed this type under the designation Sherman IBY (Chamberlain Collection)| M4A1 (BRITISH : SHERMAN I!) . eae {i} - : for ak Now: HYSS a8 drawn war FRentical'an all other models 1:48 scale Cooyrighe ehneth M, Jonesm (WS. Off MAAT centines on page 14(HVSS) Apove AND BeLow: In contrast to the M4A4 which was built in the 1942-43 period, the M4A3 became the model most favoured by the U.S. Army since it was fitted with the Ford GAA V-8 gasoline engine which had been 5 adopied by the Ordnance Department as a standard power EE unit. This drawing depicts the final Sherman model _pro- 1:48 Scale 7 duced with the 75mm gun, the M4A3 (715mm, Wet) HVSS. Copyright Fect Though retaining the 75mm gun it had wet stowage for the ammunition, a vision cupola for the commander, a Kenneth M. Jones loader’s hatch, 47° hull front, and M34A1 gun mount. Note: To make best use of Production of this type started in February 1944 when available space, radio aerial is vertical volute suspension was still fitted. HVSS as drawn shown to full height on this was featured on the last vehicles of this type built in elevation only August-September 1944. Asove: The M4A4 was built at Detroit Tank Arsenal which was run by Chrysler. Its distinctive feature was the installation of the Chrysler WC 5-line Multibank engine which consisted of five standard six-cylinder automobile engines coupled together on a common crankshaft. To accommodate this unit it was necessary to lengthen the rear hull and re-space the bogies accordingly. Very few were used by the U.S. Army and most went to Lease-Lend stocks. Accordingly the M4A4 was the most numerous single type supplied to the British, some 7,167 being delivered. British designation was Sherman V and many were converted to carry the \7Tpdr. gun under the designation Sherman VC Firefly (see cover iii). Drawing depicts early production vehicle with driver's vision ports and M34 gun mount. For late production type see picture on page 20. 12Maal Anove: The M4A1 (16mm) hed the 123 type turret with vision cupola for the commander, rotating ring hatch Jor the louder and MIA1 Yomm gun. production starting in mid-t948. In British service lt was designated Sherman WAL Nowe the breckeis on the turret recr to carry the 80 cal. Browning machine gun when dismounted lw), Leer: Finel production version of the MAAL(T6mm) introduced HVS in piece of veriical volure suspension This ls the vehicle drawn on page 10 and 11. Gun on late produe‘ion jehlcles wes Ton MIAIC or MI. shown here which featured a mu: breke (Col. R. J. [cks) Ricitr: Top view of M&A1 onm) vehicle as featured et the top of this page, showing the vision cupola fand ring hatch Jor loader on ture top. ‘Later vehicles with HVSS as drawn on page 10 reverted 10 the eariier small hatch for loader. Note Sho the opening Jor the 2in. smoke Imortar Tower left in turret top. Pistol port in. turret side shown open WS. Offical.M4A2 (BRITISH : SHERMAN III) Berow prods Most pou:ive means of ideniijying any MAA? ion type ts by means of the standard rear decking ‘sour Jor this dieselengined vehicle Conyriehe See Produc ‘on M4A2, late 1943, with cast one-piece M34A1combinacion gun mount, and fexiensive addition of appliqué armour on sides. hull front, and turret. Addition of the sun travelling clamp ‘incive in late production M4A3s. Sandshields ne a) siandard production feature but those 5 > reer a y way wie wrais(teimsy | 9p oo em eo er er Hei (ns) vs ” v9 ve v9 oe Seowage arangerets | ya ae wes oe a ae (ammunition) 7 Detroit Tak Comet by Pires rrenea set | “areea'® | Arsenal | Detroit Tank | Detroit tank | Royal Ordnance 7 Grand Blane Arsenal Arsenal Factories or ‘renal EME Woe Teta prod dave aa» aan 168 aoe Avo 609 suction priog | omy wate | May 194 | March 196k. | Mirch 194 | May nae | March 194 — June 1945, June 1945, December 19464 | March 1945 june 1945, May 1945, Fixed on vehicles Fitted on vehicles] fied on [Fitted on rei Feed on rei Hess i Ham [om am ta] Soe om | ae iy | Noe ed | ugust ae (total of 1,445)] (total of 841) | (total of 2.539) | Seema aay | sheeran tiny | sherman va | sherman mr | Sem 178 (2) Sherman 1 Hc, | se dentin | sherman tay | Sherr man mae fons | ‘coum vss) | (with HSS) (with HVS5) Notes: (1) Over sand shies (2) Bree were conversions GB) Few if any, devered to TABLE 3: M4 series armament details Sty existing vehicles varius marks mainly Mk ¥ (MAAA). ream Gun | ine | 20 ca ma mee | 7 pur ee Som Gon |aat MIAIC| Howser | “masione inch | (tele aa | OFM or | Hod — ton PMeriaian |e | Gon) crear | ttn) | | gee hc ti au fas. rwan | ose as | a | Goat atays | Reety on | ‘ua Sea) Centicaien met | Hoe or was | san i |e | et be eon | eee eee =< ‘moat ” | appt | sppranie | apptente | “oan | apple uf a ne invites | 78 2 ewrds cil | opin taany | 7! 4 |e ee ih own) (a B ear, are | MEAP | HE, Sete eal ns ap mnt lave. avcec, |Fremenaten ‘ae | oe toa poe eraon re s2s: [wie sas: |e sas] Woe | ina | Feed in, | At cu aoe a = < | rane || yet | rae 150 une veocty tes)| 2300 wo frase mae |= Ss a a see S ‘ho) 2BTABLE 4: M4 series common characteristics ‘Armour “Aewal atic | Communications Tale, Type Fixed Trai rome: Upper ace eaten |S scx sos | “Wheel or tyre size 20h? lower 2 Hoes, ‘Command tank SER 506 F ae tine Ineerphane stations 5 | Final Drive, Type Herringbone Me E Flag tee, M236 24 | Gear ratio za) i British vehicles Noi set | Sprocket, no of teeth aol Bottom Ti Baier, Volage Toul on 2 Turret Front ins. 33ins Fire Protection and Decontamination | Differentia, Controlled Gear rato 3.53:1 Sides ins. Zins Fire Extingusher—CO = TO} (fixed) 2 Ring gear no, of teeth © Top Tine. Co sib (hind) 2| Pinon, no of reech v7 { -Vifen aod Pescara Decontaminating Apparatus M2, tigts.2 | Steering ratio 151821 Periscope. M4 (w/Telescope, M38) 1 | Track, Tyee Rubber beck [Transmission Type Mechanical syncromesh Periscope, Me o] Widen ies: | "Gear ratios, First spe T36:1 Gunner quadrant, MI T] Pitch ice se SE | Second speed ant Bore sighe 1 | No.of shoes per vehicle Third speed ie Telescope, M7OF 1 AM nk. HAA, tnd 166 thoes) Fourth speed me Asimuth indicator, M19 1 Volute spring | ith speed 71 Elevation quaadrant, MB \ re sine 3 | Revene sass Crew: S—commander, gunner, Tender driver, assistant driver” (*not in Firefly) 1 1:76 SCALE REDUCTIONSCopyright Kenneth M. Jones Sherman VC Firefly (MAAS), of 2nd Fife and Forfar Yeomanry TIth Armoured Division, Odon offensive, June ~ July 1 MAAI (76mm) HVSSCopyright Kenneth M. Jones M4A1_ of ‘D’ Company, 67th Tank Battalion, US. Army (2nd Army) Ubach Front, November 1944 Front cover Sherman Il (M4A1) of “C ‘Squadron, The Queen’s Bays, Ist Armoured Division Alamein, October 1942 M4A2 of Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons), Naples, October 1943, Note: This vehicle had no visible formation markings front or rear SHERMAN TANK PRODUCTION MODELS, 1941-45 UK PRICE First published 1970 Almarks Publishing Co. Printed in UK. by Won Wethe& Son Led, London sis. ©) : 12/6 Edgware, Middlesex, England, (62 np.)