The Sherman tank was a staple of the Allied effort in WWII, with a total of about 50,000 vehicles produced, among which were a host of different variants such as the M4 Sherman 105mm Howitzer, a variant used in fire support. The M4 hull featured rolled steel plates, and it employed a 9-cylinder air-cooled radial engine in the rear which powered the front sprockets via a 5-speed transmission with reverse; the 105mm gun fired howitzer rounds, smoke rounds and incendiary ammunition. The late production vehicle had horizontal vertical spring suspension (HVSS) and 840 units were produced, providing infantry support and taking part in assaults on enemy strongpoints from Europe to the Pacific Theater.
Controlled Differential Steering System
In WWII, the average tracked vehicle used a clutch brake system, whereby the sprocket on the turning side was braked to create a difference in speed between the tracks and let the vehicle turn. While it did enable pivot turns on the spot by completely stopping one track, it required considerable skill to operate, not to mention the fact that it experienced mechanical power loss and a tendency to overheat the brakes. On the other hand, the M4 Sherman used a controlled differential system that braked a sprocket wheel via a differential gear: as the turning side track slowed, the other track sped up, leading to smooth turns and in one fell swoop both minimizing mechanical loss and negating brake overheating issues. This system was also employed on the M24, the M8, and the M2 high speed tractor, vehicles which all contributed to the eventual success of the Allied WWII campaign.
Features
- This is a 1/16 scale R/C model assembly kit.
- Just like the actual tank, the model uses a controlled differential steering system.
- Metal components are used for drive sprockets, suspension arms and idler wheel bases.
- The horizontal vertical spring suspension (HVSS) uses metal coil springs.
- Pre-assembled plastic tracks use metal pins and connectors.
Mechanical Steering System
A differential gear transfers power from the Type 540 motor. When the tracks rotate at the same speed the model moves in a straight line, turning as the track speeds differ: transmitter commands cause servo movement, which in turn slows the turning side track via one of the brake discs in the differential. A planetary gearbox in the differential unit speeds up the unbraked track.
Requires
- 2-channel R/C system
- R6/AA/UM3 batteries for transmitter
- Battery pack & charger
The compact, rather tall form of this Sherman was thanks to its use of a 9-cylinder radial engine.
A close up on the turret and its realistic depiction of cast metal surfaces. The loader's hatch (turret left) is a moving part, and the commander's hatch on the cupola can be assembled open or closed.
A commander figure in M1 helmet is included in the kit.
The detailed M2 heavy machine gun even has a separately molded ammunition case.
Metal barrel and cover for the hull front machine gun are separate parts for even more realism.
Plenty of accessories are on hand: shovel, jack, axe and more. They are separately molded parts.
Lots more accessories are on show here, too: from K-ration boxes to ammunition cases and Jerry cans. Decals are used for markings on the cases.
The upper hull is attached via this catch on the chassis.
A duralumin frame gives the model excellent durability.
The central battery is flanked on the right by the motor, and on the left by the servo.
The steering system uses a planetary differential gear in a setup close to that of the full-size tank.
Tough plastic tracks have metal pins and connectors and come pre-assembled. The drive sprockets are die-cast components.
The operational HVSS suspension uses metal coil springs.
The model is controlled in the same way as an R/C car.
Take control with a standard wheel and trigger type 2-channel R/C unit (sold separately).
