M4A3 Stowage attachments

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

Hi all

I’m building the Tamiya M4A3 at the moment and getting to the point of fixing the stowage to the turret sides. I plan to attach backpacks and helmets as per the instructions but i’m not sure how they were attached in reality. There are no standard fitment points (hooks, eyelets etc) and i don’t want it to look like they’re hung there with Velcro.

I’ve waded through my DVD’s and books and searched the internet but it’s not clear how these items were attached. I assume some non-standard hooks were welded to the turret or rope/wire was strung through the standard eyelets at the front and rear and the items hung from those but does anyone know for sure?

This is my first US AFV and i must say that i’m enjoying it immensely. Its a nice kit.

Thanks for your help.

2

The Tamiya M4A3 is a great classic kit. Tank crews sometimes welded handholds on the turret (you’re correct – any attachment points would have been non standard). If not, just leave the bags off the turret. Most often, they were just piled onto the engine deck. One thing you MUST do with the M4A3 kit is to OMIT the added on side armor. This was a huge mistake on the Tamiya researchers who mistakenly saw these on M4A2s and assumed they applied to M4A3s. For a pretty comprehensive tweaks lists go here:

http://www.usarmymodels.com/ARTICLES/articles.html

If you want comments on your build in progress, feel free to post pics and lots of knowledgable guys can give constructive criticism.

Enjoy the Sherman!