I wanted to start an Israeli M51 Sherman using Tamiya kit as a base and using a cast hull but in my search for better detailed parts then those that come with the inaccurate Tamiya kit I find that the Schumo parts are all out of stock. Both at ETO and Axels Modelbau. Has Schumo gone belly up? I see some parts are being made at Shapeways for an Israeli Sherman but not the same upgrades Schumo had available.
thanks
Dave

Schumo has most assuredly not gone belly up. The line of resin parts for the M51 was dropped because the resin supplier no longer makes them for Schumo. Another thing that is dropped is the P4 elongated springs, that supplier did go belly up.

Schumo parts are a side activity of axels modellbau who are very much in business. However I've noticed his supply of upgrades seems to have shrunk recently with many items out of stock for long periods. I was very lucky that I managed to get his four last sets of m51 jerrycans holders and Jerry cans. Sadly no more m51 parts are being made.

Are the Panzer 4 elongated springs necessary for the Tamiya kit? The reason I ask is because I plan on buying one.

Not a necessity but highly recommend especially if doing a lot of cross country driving or IR battling. The stock leaf springs are a bit short, so under max flex they will come unseated from the road wheel assembly and drag in the dirt. Thought someone else was doing these other than Schumo? Maybe Profline? Schumo's were carbon fiber, thought I'd seen a 3d printed version of the same thing somewhere?

One would think Tamiya would correct this problem on the Panzer IV.

learned something new here , a good thing i almost have all my upgrades for my tanks from schumo except the leaf springs for the P4

but i have the upgrade for the bandai P4 leaf springs maybe those could be of use

Let us know it that does work, I'll eventually get a P4.