Tamiya 1/16 M4 Sherman 105MM Howitzer (Mechanical Steering System) RC Tank

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.

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:

• Scale: 1/16
• Plastic Model assembly kit [unassembled]
• Accessory parts and decals
• Image shows assembled and painted kit
• Just like the actual tank, the model uses a controlled differential steering system
• The differential gear transfers power from the type 540 motor
• 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
• ESC included
• One commander torso figure designed to fit in the cupola hatch is included
• 1 x Assembly instruction manual
• Dimensions [cm]: 37.6 long x 18.3 wide x 20.5 high when built

Required to Complete - Sold Separately:

• 2-Channel R/C system
• 4 x R6/AA/UM3 batteries for transmitter
• Battery pack & charger
• Servo
• Tamiya TS-5 spray paint Olive Drab