RE: IDF Sherman 1/16 Tamiya FO M51
It's a real shame that Tamiya put out such an inaccurate mess. Not only did they invent a tank to boost sales but to add a moniker which was never used in Israel but because it appealed to them and the thought that it would boost sales, further damaged the Tamiya reputation regarding accuracy. The greater majority of models I have used for museum work have been Tamiya, and it was a real shock to see such a reputable company sink so low and concern themselves with sales over accuracy. The M-50 & 51 were known as Isherman =Israeli Sherman and only Super Sherman known in Israel was the M-1 = M-4A1 76mm with either VVSS or HVSS. At least there are now a few sources to show the difference and what mods to do so that those interested in historic accuracy can have a a correct M-51. Lately there have been some posts with very nice looking M-51s, so it appears modelers are interested and learning the differences.