This
kit consists of a WW2 era bulldozer conversion for 1/72-scale Sherman
tank model kits. The kit contains only resin parts and the manufacturer
states that it can be used for any Sherman kit in this scale.
The tank
dozer, I have read, was the most successful US armored engineer tank.
From photos I have noted a bulldozer attachment used with M4, M4A1,
M4A2 and M4A3 Shermans fitted with both the 75-mm gun and the 105-mm
howitzer. In the Pacific Theatre I have also seen a bulldozer attachment
fitted to M3 Medium tanks by the Australians. Nations using this Sherman-dozer
combination were the USA, Polish forces in Western Europe, and UK
forces.
-
In the above photo we see a superbly detailed and painted small-hatch
M4 Sherman tank with the dozer attachment. (From my experience with
building Shermans in 1/72-scale I have a suspicion that this photo
shows a 1/48 or 1/35-scale model kit?) The Dozer attachment includes
the dozer blade in front, the arms back to the middle VVSS bogie,
and the hydraulic piston behind the triangular armor plate.
- The
box states that this is a “Conversion set for any Sherman”
but actually would take some modification to use with a Sherman
with HVSS bogies.
- Be
aware that the wading stacks on the engine deck do not come with
this Dozer conversion kit! The wading stacks are part of a
separate aftermarket kit.
- The
parts come in a small corrugated cardboard box and ziplock type
plastic bags.
- There
are no markings (decals) included in the kit and none shown on the
box art. The color box art can serve as a painting guide.
-
The conversion set has 15 superbly cast all resin parts; no etched
brass parts. The molding and casting is crisp and free of bubbles
and defects.
- Clean-up
can be done with a sharp blade and sanding stick on most parts and
a saw on the large dozer blade.
- Assemble
using cyanoacrylate glue or epoxy cement.
-
This scan shows the numbered parts diagram and assembly instructions
for this “RESIN CONVERSION FOR ANY SERMAN”. Yes it says
“serman” rather than Sherman; perhaps the only mistake
I find with the kit or perhaps the Calibre72 kit maker is a minister
or priest with his/her mind on their Sunday service?
- Instructions
are very good exploded-view type showing parts numbers. Step-1 shows
drilling Sherman kit’s VVSS bogie for resin parts 4 and 5.
- Step-2
shows overall assembly of the parts. I am confused about the exact
placement of parts 6, 10, 11 and 12. Historical photos and museum
photos could be very important here.
- Instructions
show assembly to an M4 with the 3-part bolted transmission housing
but I am unsure of using this mounting (parts 6,10,11,& 12)
on a 1-piece wedge, sharp nose transmission housing
Conclusions
- This
is an excellent aftermarket conversion to turn your 1/72-scale Sherman
into a novel variant that stands out on the display or contest table.
I have not assembled it yet, so cannot speak about fit of the parts.
- Quality
of the mold and casting appears excellent.
- With
good building references a novice to resin kits, and an experienced
modeler, should be able to build the bulldozer into a fine display
model.
- I've
seen this dozer attachment mounted on the M4 variants fitted with
the VVSS bogies. Because of the wider suspension I do not believe
that this M1 dozer attachment would fit on a Sherman with the HVSS
(Easy-8) bogies, such as an M4A3E8 or M4A1E8.
References
US Armored Funnies, US Specialized Armored Vehicles in the ETO in
World War II #7052, by Stephen J Zaloga, Concord Publications Co (2005).
ISBN 962-361-085-8
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