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Sherman Crocodile

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The Sherman Crocodiles first and only use in combat was in Operation Grenade, the assault on Julich, Germany, February 1945.

The Sherman Crocodile was made from a Dragon M4A4 and a leftover Churchill Crocodile trailer. The engine compartment was modified to that of a Chrysler model from Verlinden parts. All other details were scratchbuilt. The initial tunnel design didn't work so Nathan had to redo the train tunnel and make it more like an entrance into a train station.
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About the Author

About Suresh Nathan (Suresh)
FROM: , SINGAPORE / 新加坡


Comments

Interesting variant not mentioned in most texts. Nicely done dio!
OCT 27, 2019 - 09:02 AM
The individual vehicles and other elements look great. To me though, the whole scene doesn't work. Why is the Sherman on the M15 trailer with the Crocodile trailer still attached as they both don't fit on the M15 trailer? Why is the M15 trailer backed up against the rail yard gateway so that the Sherman can't be backed off it? How did the trailer get in that position with all the trees in front of it? Where is the crane to raise the new engine and put it in the tank? etc., etc., etc... It would look better to me if the M15 trailer wasn't there at all. It just leaves me with too many questions.
OCT 28, 2019 - 07:47 AM
Thanks. These end of war concept machines make for very interesting story telling.
OCT 28, 2019 - 12:55 PM
Yeah, I get where you're coming from. Thanks for your comments!
OCT 28, 2019 - 12:56 PM
Well yeah OK about positioning but I just read it as a chaotic snafu by inexperienced grunts, more interested in the spectacular arch, busy interactions and the rare subject – great job Suresh
OCT 28, 2019 - 03:14 PM
Maybe use some dull coat on the figures and do a bit of dry brushing to tome down the finish. The Sherman is very good
OCT 29, 2019 - 10:13 AM
Thanks Tim. You hit it exactly, I wanted to show something in the aftermath of an engagement
OCT 29, 2019 - 11:29 AM
Thanks. Those were in progress shots. Here they are finished.
OCT 29, 2019 - 12:54 PM
Another thing the US didn't use M4A4 the M4 was used for the crocodile conversion and there I think only 2 and they were used by the 2nd Armored Div
OCT 29, 2019 - 12:59 PM
Great comment, Nick, and what I thought too. But as it turns out, The M4A4 was used operationally in the European theatre in only three instances and these were as the Sherman Crocodile. The fourth crocodile, the prototype, was the M4(A2?). This was the background story for the diorama where the wrong engine was delivered rendering it inoperable and having to send in the man-packed flamethrower. If you notice the Continental R975 was delivered but the M4A4 should have the Chrysler A57 Multibank for which the engine compartment was modified accurately to accommodate. Sorry to geek out over this but I wanted all of that information in the display. Read this: LINK
OCT 29, 2019 - 01:30 PM