Sherman Repotenciado circa 1993

This is a model of an Argentine Sherman Repotenciado. Argentina acquired a number of Fireflies after WW2 (both VC and IC Hybrids) and upgraded them in the late 70s. The major upgrades were upgrading the cannon to an Argentine version of the French 105mm cannon used on the AMX-13 (FTR 105 mm L44/57) and the replacement of the Chrysler multi-bank engine with a new diesel engine (the French Poyaud 520). In addition, a turret basket was added and an auxiallary fuel tank was mounted to the top of the turret (I'm guessing it was only for long road marches and not for combat). These tanks were used into the 1990s.

The basic kit is the new Tasca Firefly VC and most of modifications to the Repotenciado configuration were done from scratch as seen in the photos. By far, the most complicated part was the gun and muzzle brake which was made from a few pieces off the Academy M51, sheet plastic, putty, and Prozac (just kidding). The rest of the modifications were sheet plastic and left over photoetch.

Painting was done with Model Master enamels and several filters to get the 'Terra Cotta' color (the tanish color). Light weathering was applied since the vehicles were only used in peace time.

The figures are modified from the one in the kit and the Tamiya commander found in their M4 kit.

A more detailed article on this vehicle can be found in the AMPS magazine, Boresight in the March/April 2007 edition.

NOTE TO WEBMASTER: Please include in the 'Construction' contest.

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