Cardboard Sherman Tank
The real deal, with permission, PIERRE OLIVIER
I don't have the time to make this a remote controlled project at the moment but certainly in the near future I would like to do that. For now, it will be a static display model
Latest Images December 2022
The boys arrive at the Normandy Coast, it looks safe for now.
The boys look out across the English channel.
Suddenly a voice calls out from inside the tank "Hey guys is it safe to come out now?"
Always keep the non-cutting hand behind the knife when cutting cardboard.
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I measured the plans which were printed in size a3 in mm and divided by 2.65 to get 1/6 scale measurements in inches.
Forming the base and sides of the tank. It looks really small next to the jeep. Wonder if the measurements are out. No, the Sherman is actually quite a small tank.
The weight of the cardboard is now beginning to show by causing sagging on the bottom section. I will have to shore it up some how without affecting the track. Well, that's the left side done except for the splash guard.
Forming the base and sides of the tank. It looks really small next to the jeep. Wonder if the measurements are out. No, the Sherman is actually quite a small tank.
The weight of the cardboard is now beginning to show by causing sagging on the bottom section. I will have to shore it up some how without affecting the track. Well, that's the left side done except for the splash guard.
Turret construction.
Corrugated cardboard is quite useful for curved surfaces. I might replace the gun mount later as it is not the right shape. OK, I have made a big mistake with the size of the turret. I thought something wasnt right with it aside from the shape that is. However, I'll role with this version for now. The turret is too high. I was supposed to make cuts along the top and fold the cardboard inwards to create the curved surface that the m4 has.
Adding edge trimming helps improve the overall look of the model.
I don't intend to alter the basic shape very much. I rounded off the rear of the turret along the edge.
Corrugated cardboard is quite useful for curved surfaces. I might replace the gun mount later as it is not the right shape. OK, I have made a big mistake with the size of the turret. I thought something wasnt right with it aside from the shape that is. However, I'll role with this version for now. The turret is too high. I was supposed to make cuts along the top and fold the cardboard inwards to create the curved surface that the m4 has.
Adding edge trimming helps improve the overall look of the model.
I don't intend to alter the basic shape very much. I rounded off the rear of the turret along the edge.
Sherman Transmission Bogies
Before I began this project I didn't know what a transmission bogie was, or a helferinnen for that matter. The parts that are missing from the bogie are the track skids and center wheel.
The driver sprocket should have 13 teeth but it was easier to cut an even number of teeth. The sprocket diameter is also too wide. The track is about 90" in length and to help speed up the paint job I watered down the paint - a lot.
The track is hot glued together.
Before I began this project I didn't know what a transmission bogie was, or a helferinnen for that matter. The parts that are missing from the bogie are the track skids and center wheel.
The driver sprocket should have 13 teeth but it was easier to cut an even number of teeth. The sprocket diameter is also too wide. The track is about 90" in length and to help speed up the paint job I watered down the paint - a lot.
The track is hot glued together.
Cupola and Turret Hatch
I tried a cardboard turret hatch hinge but it wasn't strong enough so I have bolted them together with small 1.5" metal hinges. The top is a plastic lid. I was looking for a take away coffee cup lid because they have interesting shapes on them.
I tried a cardboard turret hatch hinge but it wasn't strong enough so I have bolted them together with small 1.5" metal hinges. The top is a plastic lid. I was looking for a take away coffee cup lid because they have interesting shapes on them.
Duffy Washington welds a steel plate to the side of the tank.
