Introduction

The 17 pdr. Gun mounted in the Sherman Firefly made it the first Allied tank able to go toe-to-toe with the German Panthers and Tigers. With specially designed ammunition, the Firefly crews were able to engage and knock out German panzers at equal ranges. This set from AFV provides 4 different types of ammo used with the 17 pdr as well as some empty shell casings.

The Set

The set provides 4 empty shell casings as well as 4 each of the 4 different types of ammo which the 17 pdr. used. The 20 brass pieces and one etched brass fret come in a card backed protective blister pack. I’m not sure if the pieces are turned or cast but they look immaculate. The reverse of the blister pack card indicates the four types of ammo as:

Armor piercing discarding sabot APDS
Solid armor piercing shot
Armor piercing capped
High explosive with tracer HE/T Mk1

But then shows the four types as:

Armor piercing discarding sabot APDS
Armor piercing capped
Armor piercing capped ballistic capped
High explosive with tracer HE/T Mk1

From the references I used the first list looks correct.

The four empty shell casings are hollowed out to a depth of .75 cm. Each shell consists of two pieces -the solid brass shell and an etched brass base plate. There are four types of base plates marked G1 to G4 on the etched frame which must be matched to the different types of ammo.

I have to say that even with a large illuminated magnifier, while I could make out that the markings were different, I couldn't make out what the markings were. The base of the shells fit neatly into a circular recess on the etched base plate. I plan to use CA glue but braver souls might like to attempt soldering. The cut off points on the edges of the base plate need to be cleaned up and this is probably best done after attaching them to the shells.

Fireflies carried 76 shells so you would need 5 sets to completely equip one tank. Of course the Firefly wasn't the only tank to carry the 17 pdr so this set can be used with the Black Prince, Challenger A30 and the Centurion Mk I & II as well as the Achilles and the Archer SPGs and the 17pdr anti-tank gun.

No painting instructions are provided but they are available online at the Armoured Acorn site: http://www.armouredacorn.com/Reference/Ammo/Default.htm and also in the other references I used : Osprey's New Vanguard 141 Sherman Firefly and Duel 2 Sherman Firefly vs. Tiger.

One thing to remember is that these shells weighed an average of 35.5 pounds each (16 kg) so don't show your crew toting them around like beer bottles or have them perched precariously on the edge of a tank turret.

Conclusion

With the heads of the shells painted correctly this set will dress up any Tank carrying a 17 pdr very nicely.