Yiharua Posted June 27, 2013 Posted June 27, 2013 “The M4 Sherman, formally Medium Tank, M4, was the primary tank produced by the United States during World War II. Total production Sherman M4 exceeded 50,000 units and its chassis served as the basis for other designs, such as tank destroyers, recovery vehicles and self-propelled artillery. In the United Kingdom, the M4 were called “Sherman” becouse of the General W. Tecumseh Sherman. Later, the name started being used in the United States.” I had two primary goals while redesigning my old M4 Sherman. I basically wanted this: -Reduce the size to resemble the real scale. -Keep the design of the entire hull. Redesigning the front and the tower. -Increase gameplay. (I have child soul ) Although these were the main objectives, I also wanted to remake the suspension system, which I didn´t like, and build a detailed interior. Fortunately I was able to meet all my goals, including redoing the interior. Furthermore, it increases a lot the gameplay. You will see thorugh the post. Lets start. FRONTAL: The front view shows that the sides and bottom of the front hull have maintained their style, with several curved slopes and lights. However, the front where the machine gun is has been modified so that it had the proper tilt, as the real M4 Sherman. And we have another detail. There are chains in the front, as in many real tanks. SIDE: The side also keeps the look of the first version of my creation, as well as the Sherman, but there are a number of changes and improvements. We will not consider the turret, which is going to be seen later. As we can see, the hull is the same, with a little change; there are two tiles on it. I just wanted the Sherman to look like the original, again. The second noticeable change are the front wheels. While the original Sherman used 24 tooth gears, the new ones have 16 tooth. I also change the suspension, reducing its size and adding those tires that seemed very appropriate. Size reduction has led me to save about 50 chains. The length was reduced from 24 to 21 and a half studs. REAR: On the back the most recognizable change is the size. The width of the new model is 10 studs, much more acceptable than the previous 12 studs. And better scaled. The rest remains the same, except the central panel that protects the engine, which has been made studless, and tiles have been put in that place. Even the rear hatch is the same. TURRET: The turret suffered a clean slate. . It was completely redesigned. Based on several network designs (See Bibliography at the end) and with a few more details, I got it to be more rounded. It was hard work, because the size was smaller than in the previous version. Of course, the tower can be drawn from the tank. The gunner of the tower can be removed and is suited in very easily, and the gate closes or opens with the same simplicity. It is completely built with the Studless technique. It was the easiest way to detail a small part. Here you can see the technique. Even the barrel is SNOT. I have to forgive me, I placed a yellow piece. I’m very proud of how the new turret is. It is much more similar to the original Sherman turret. Finally, and of course, the turret can go up and down. INTERIOR DETAILS: The Sherman that has been designed gave me the possibility to add interior details. It was not in the original plan, but I saw that it was possible and I asked myself wether or not to include. The result has been positive. Everything starts by removing four pieces. They are very easy to remove, they are the top of the tank. Two slopes and two tiles. Then you remove a bunch of bricks. All together. And voila, we get inside. This includes a seat for the driver, some control pads, an armrest that can serve to hold a gun, and some cannon balls. And this is my Lego M4 A3 Sherman. A final photo. Thank you for reading this huge article. You can download the instructions of the Lego M4A3 Sherman (In LDD format) here; http://www.hispalug.com/foro/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=18421.0;attach=25602 The article on my blog: http://yiharuablog.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/lego-m4-a3-sherman/ And the Youtube Video: Quote
Ham17 Posted June 27, 2013 Posted June 27, 2013 Amazing job I love it. One of the best tanks I've seen. Awesome job Yiharua Quote
lightningtiger Posted June 27, 2013 Posted June 27, 2013 Totally AWESOME tank 'Yiharua', how about a Tiger tank to go up against it.........and a T-34 maybe to then battle same Tiger tank ? Brick On Battle On 'Yiharua' ! Quote
Hey Joe Posted June 28, 2013 Posted June 28, 2013 Hey! I love it, especially the slope on the front. Thanks for sharing. Dismissed Joe Quote
Legopast Posted June 28, 2013 Posted June 28, 2013 I really adore the compact interior and the overall sleek finish. Great job! Quote
Yiharua Posted June 29, 2013 Author Posted June 29, 2013 Thank you all for your great comments! I prefer allied tanks, but a tiger or a t-34 may be in my army in the near future... ;) Quote
Mataroa Posted July 2, 2013 Posted July 2, 2013 (edited) Marvelous. Both the turret and the hull were done beautifully. One of the highlights was that the turret wasn't truly attached and could still rotate. For the top of the turret, have you tried parts 4618880 and 4212446 for the turret? The smaller of the two (4212446) fits into the larger (4618880). All it requires is a stud to attatch them. The turret top might be smoothed out some, but I'm not sure how the crewman's hatch would fix onto that. Again, well done! Edited July 3, 2013 by Mataroa Quote
LEGO Guy Bri Posted July 3, 2013 Posted July 3, 2013 Excellent representation Yiharua, very detailed build. I would love to see your version of a Tiger Quote
Yiharua Posted July 4, 2013 Author Posted July 4, 2013 Thank you both for your comments! Mataroa, I have tried with that pieces, but there isn´t space at all, though it would work in other situation. If you haveany other suggestion please let me know! Quote
UnknownClone Posted July 4, 2013 Posted July 4, 2013 Thank you all for your great comments! I prefer allied tanks, but a tiger or a t-34 may be in my army in the near future... ;) T-34 was Russian (an ally) therefor an allied tank Quote
Yiharua Posted July 7, 2013 Author Posted July 7, 2013 Yes! Big fail! Therefor, a T-34 is an option... Quote
DPrime Posted July 8, 2013 Posted July 8, 2013 Awesome! The hull in particular is spot on. The turret, I think, could be improved. I'm sorry that I don't have any real "constructive" advice on how to do it, but it just doesn't quite have the familiar M4 lines, imo... Also the gun itself should be a bit smoother, even for the Firefly variant (which I'm assuming you're going for, given the length of the gun and the "flare" at the muzzle). Maybe stick an MG on top, too. Sorry - I hope I'm not coming off as harsh. I used to be into WWII military vehicles big time, built a few models, etc. Like I said - the hull in particular is FANTASTIC. The turret is almost there, though. :) Quote
UnknownClone Posted July 9, 2013 Posted July 9, 2013 Awesome! The hull in particular is spot on. The turret, I think, could be improved. I'm sorry that I don't have any real "constructive" advice on how to do it, but it just doesn't quite have the familiar M4 lines, imo... Also the gun itself should be a bit smoother, even for the Firefly variant (which I'm assuming you're going for, given the length of the gun and the "flare" at the muzzle). Maybe stick an MG on top, too. Sorry - I hope I'm not coming off as harsh. I used to be into WWII military vehicles big time, built a few models, etc. Like I said - the hull in particular is FANTASTIC. The turret is almost there, though. :) Um if it was a firefly it would be mentioned in the title but no it is meant to be an A3 Quote
DPrime Posted July 10, 2013 Posted July 10, 2013 Um if it was a firefly it would be mentioned in the title but no it is meant to be an A3 D'oh! Yeah, my bad. And I guess it's been a while since I've been into tanks and such. Some Shermans had a longer 76mm gun that looked a bit more like this. Anyway, I hope my criticism didn't come off as unduly harsh - I rather like this MOC! :) Quote
The Ghost Racer Posted July 10, 2013 Posted July 10, 2013 Amazing tank! I love military vehicles, i like this because it's very detailed and it has a lot of functions. Quote
ManInATopHat Posted July 11, 2013 Posted July 11, 2013 Great tank! One of the best I've ever seen! Nice clean edges, historically accurate details and interior. Great work! Quote
Yiharua Posted July 17, 2013 Author Posted July 17, 2013 Thank you everybody for your keen answers. :). I really apreciatte your help DPrime. The turret is a WIP. I am still working on it. You are right saying that some lines are different, and the barrel is not accurate at all, but it is no longer renewed. (I love its shale :D) Anyway, I am working on the turret. It is a A3, as unknown clone says, not a firefly. ;). Thank you everybody! Quote
gryffindorcommonroom Posted July 18, 2013 Posted July 18, 2013 Awesome. I've actually seen a Tiger once on MOC pages, can't find it anymore - it was insane. Beautiful, well done! Quote
Yiharua Posted July 20, 2013 Author Posted July 20, 2013 Thank you again! Looking forward to see that tiger. Quote
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