Continuing to work on my Formations M4A1 (still love it!).
The tool set that comes with the kit is really nice. Question – the clamps holding the tools onto the tank appear to be some kind of ties, with loops almost like on a tied shoe. What are they? What were they made of? What color where they?
Any help appreciated – particularly a site with color pics of a Sherman’s tools held on by these things. I have looked at Berndt’s neato color pics of Shermans in American Tanks of World War II and nothing really popped out at me.
Larry, if you’re talking about the ones I think you are, I believe they were dark brown, leather belts. But I’m sure Robert will be along soon and set us both straight!!
There are tiedown loops tack or spot welded to the hull. A brown leather strap is threaded through this to hold tools and gear on.
Equipment like shovels and axes have a piece of sheet metal tack welded to the hull that acts sort of like a socket for the head. The leather strap wraps around the handles and keeps the tools in place.
Tools like gun cleaning rods are kept in a rack welded to the hull. One side again is a socket that the ends are inserted to and the other has a hinged latch plate.
Thanks Mike. At what point did they paint the tank – I mean, what stuff should be OD? Did they paint the metal parts you mentioned OD, or leave them bare metal? Were the leather straps painted OD?
Larry, that I’m not sure of. I’m pretty sure the metal parts would have been od, but even if the straps were, the paint would have rapidly flaked off leaving just the brown of the leather.
brown leather as far as I know. Leather weathers differently and can be anything from a redish brown to a dark brown. Grease and grime on the hands, transfered to the leather or wet leather would certainly make it a darker color. Dust and road dirt would again discolor it as well and would be reflected in the appearance of the leather.
The tie downs are simple pieces of round stock that have 2, 90 degree bends in them and straight in the center like a handle or like the larger tie downs you see on the rear decking. They are just smaller. Small enough to be hidden behind the tool or implement and not too proud of the surface of the hull. Just enough to slide the strapping through.
The period color photos I have of the add on sheet metal sockets are OD. With plenty of wear. The contemporary reference pics I have show them painted OD so my vote is the OD.
Great, very helpful, this will help me a lot with my M4A1, which I am building now and will get more serious on once the Towed Gun Group Build is over.