mcovalsk

M4 105 IDF service
Ok finally I got all the parts for this one, thanks to David ( forgebear at ebay UK) he provided me with the Mato parts, he rocks with his service, recommended.
I'm really impressed with those white metal VVSS.

I know that many people did this before but honestly I perspired A LOT to put the suspension on the Tamiya hull, the most difficult parts were the axle shaft of the gear boxes.... still I have several finger with Bandaids!

Buckeye36

My Feedback: (3)

Looks great, I really like the turret details.

MAUS45

Looks great!!! I have used Dave as well. Parts got to me in 1 week from UK to USA. He is very helpful and replies real quick to questions via e-mail.

Panther F

Oh, it's not that bad to install.


















~ Jeff

fsciorelli

Nice Sherman, Jeff,

Looks like an "upgunned" Oddball variant

Frank

YHR

I don't think those metal sprockets work well with the Standard Mato track. They work with the duckbills though.

If your experience is different let me know, as I had issues trying to mate the Mato metal sprockets with the plastic track. The track doesn't follow the sprocket smoothly

mcovalsk

That's right Dan the tracks tend to go out the way. At the beggining I though it was my fault, but after working on the sprockets " A LOT" still have the same problem, never happened before. I made a quick test with the Tamiya's and worked fantastic but I don't want to use them or spend more money.

modelbob71

Nice work! What hull top is that?

Panther F

It IS the tank from the movie, well... as best as I can do.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_96...tm.htm#9603584

A REAL Sherman with the Tamiya M26 electronics but without recoil like the real tank didn't have. It is outfitted with the IMPACT battle system, just never got to try it out as I had shoulder issues the week I visited Danville. It was made with the stock MATO VVSS, just weeks before the new metal version came out.

It's been behind glass ever since. Need to get it out and do some rumbling with it, huh?














~ Jeff

fsciorelli

Jeff,

Did you make the loudspeaker?

Frank

Panther F

Yeah, it was made out of a childs sand toy, it was some kind of funnel/top made out of nylon. Then I just scratch built the rest of the speaker using styrene.

I still think it's a bit small but at the time it was the best I could find.














~ Jeff

pattoncommander

Nice work, as usual Mario. I had similar problems mounting VVSS on the Pershing hull for my T-23. Are you going to mount the 105 or re-gun to 75mm? Most VVSS 105s (from Italy) were re-gunned to 75mm or had M-1 dozers installed. Data on the number of 105 Shermans VVSS/HVSS is elusive but they were not effective as combat tanks and retrofitted with other armament. Either way, a nice addition to the IDF section.

mcovalsk

To put the plastic Mato VVSS is easier than the metal one, absolutely

mcovalsk

Hi Bill

Well I would like to make other more interesting version than the 105, but I don't have many ehre to find as don't want to spend more money up to sell the HVSS.

pattoncommander

hmmm....dozer blade......AMX-13 turret??

mcovalsk

Bill I would like a M1 VVSS cast hull, and vintage T23 turret, but that means to buy a cast hull and other T23 turret. I already bought 2 hulls and turrets from Nick and he gift me other one, but really I don't have funds now. Just paid the Mato parts and get for free the Tami sherman for an article.

I have your Mato hull, but not a turret, so I think I will keep easy with the 105 which is in other way cute... I think. Still have to finish the M4A1E8 which is primered ready to be painted green.

I think will be my last sherman, if I can sell the HVSS in other way I will think something for them.

pattoncommander

Mario, you have the HVSS....ever consider doing an L-33 or 160mm Mortar Carrier? You probably have some lower chassis laying around..would be an interesting IDF vehicle that no one else has.

mcovalsk

Hi Bill do you really think I have the skill and patience to make this ( beautiful ).... I wish but I don't think so really :-(

pattoncommander

Hey, if anyone could build it, (either one) you could....mostly sheet styrene on a Sherman hull. Closed up simple, but open, there would be some interesting detailing on the gun or mortar and interrior. Plenty of nice photos in Gannons book. If/when the music slows down and I get back into modeling, I may do an L-33, but that will be down the road..

mcovalsk

The regular M4 Tamiya. I cut the sponsons and front mudguards. Actually it was a hull left from other project. If you want to see more pictures, let me know.