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Sherman foundry markings question
Vierville
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Gauteng, South Africa
Joined: April 05, 2014
KitMaker: 384 posts
Armorama: 372 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 02:24 AM UTC
Hi all.

I have a few M4 sherman kits including some of the excellent ones from Tasca/Asuka...but one thing they all seem to lack is foundry markings.

While some have a few markings on the bogeys, none of my kits have any foundry markings on their turrets.

Was it possible that M4 Shermans produced at certain factories did not have foundry markings on the turrets or did they ALL have them?

Thanks!

russamotto
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Utah, United States
Joined: December 14, 2007
KitMaker: 3,389 posts
Armorama: 2,054 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 04:38 AM UTC
Best thing I can say is look here.
http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/

It should have the information you are looking for. My understanding is that they are left off to allow you to build a specific model, as there could be different foundry markings.
Das_Abteilung
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United Kingdom
Joined: August 31, 2010
KitMaker: 365 posts
Armorama: 351 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 04:42 AM UTC
The Sherman Minutia site has a range of photos showing various foundry marks on M4 turrets of various types from various manufacturers.

http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/turret_types/75mm_turrets.html

Look first at the 2 tabs on turret types, but other tabs also show useful pics. There is a whole tab on foundry marks.

On 75mm turrets they could be on the roof, at the rear, on the bustle slope or on the side. Even small cast parts had some foundry marks, if only a serial number.

Archer produce 3 sets of 3D decals including foundry marks
Vierville
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Gauteng, South Africa
Joined: April 05, 2014
KitMaker: 384 posts
Armorama: 372 posts
Posted: Wednesday, May 24, 2017 - 01:32 AM UTC
Thanks so much guys. I have had a look through the links you posted and there's a wealth of info there. Much appreciated.
gastec
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Auckland, New Zealand
Joined: February 03, 2014
KitMaker: 1,042 posts
Armorama: 871 posts
Posted: Wednesday, May 24, 2017 - 01:25 PM UTC
The Son of a Sherman book is invaluable for adding detail etc. Well worth getting yourself a copy if you have a few kits to build. Couldn't manage without mine!

Gary
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