M-51 Tam-Mato IDF Sherman
After a lot of customizing and fitting issues, my early M-51 is about done. Had to rebuild the Mato T-23 turret with the 105mm, rear overhang etc, cut the bottom to lower the turret height, replaced the split hatch with the standard TC model, rebuilt the Mato A1 deck for the early (mid 60s) Cummins Diesel and vents, added extended fenders and all the stowage boxes and the huge stowage bin on the rear. The Mato upper hull was a decent fit on the older Tamiya lower hull, but getting it to stay in place was tricky. I used the side clips from the Tamiya upper hull and had to add about 3 mms to give it a tight fit and added two retaining screws at the rear above the tracks. Waiting now for stowage items and a set of German Jerry cans to complete the build. Turret marking Alef (א) and cal 50 have been added, but I eed a 60mm mortar and drill out the TC episcopes and glass in. Next is electronics to get it rolling. My IDF company now includes 2 M-51s, 2 M-50s, M-1 Super Sherman and an M-3.
This is the model Tamiya should have put out.
BEEN HAVING A REAL HASSLE UPLOADING PHOTOS...FOR SOME REASON THEY ARE ALL SUPER LARGE AND "CLICK TO ENLARGE" WORKS IN REVERSE.?????? Will try again.