Jump to content

Crawford Sherman tank to agricultural crawler conversion in 1/35 scale


Recommended Posts

I always wanted to make a replica of the Crawford ploughing tractor (see first picture) which was an ex-WW2 Sherman M4-A2 tank converted for agricultural use by Robert Crawford, a Lincolnshire contractor in 1947. I have just assembled the running gear from a 1/35 scale Tamiya Sherman tank kit and the tracks move smoothly. Like Crawford, I have discarded the turret and side armour, which reduced the weight of the real tank from 35 tons to 20 tons. Crawford kept the twin General Motors six cylinder diesel engines, which produced a useful 375hp between them. There are no engines with this kit, so I will need to improvise. I also need to 3D print some new tinwork and add the two 9 inch diameter exhaust pipes! Having painted and weathered the model it is starting to look a bit like Crawford's creation.

CRAWFORD SHERMAN CONVERSION2.jpg

P1040627.JPG

P1040628.JPG

P1040631.JPG

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

A different farm model to the norm, look forward to seeing this completed. Would be relatively easy engine build if it had either a radial, Ford V8 or Chrysler multibank power plant. This would do you if you can track one down 

Tank Workshop 1/35 M4a2 Sherman GM 6046 Tank Engine & Engine Compartment 350059

 

sherman engine compartment - Search (bing.com)

SHERMAN eng (strijdbewijs.nl)

SHERMAN eng (strijdbewijs.nl)

for your perusal. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

30 minutes ago, super6 said:

A different farm model to the norm, look forward to seeing this completed. Would be relatively easy engine build if it had either a radial, Ford V8 or Chrysler multibank power plant. This would do you if you can track one down 

Tank Workshop 1/35 M4a2 Sherman GM 6046 Tank Engine & Engine Compartment 350059

 

sherman engine compartment - Search (bing.com)

SHERMAN eng (strijdbewijs.nl)

SHERMAN eng (strijdbewijs.nl)

for your perusal. 

Fabulous, thanks Paul.👍

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i have heard of these but never seen one in the flesh, looks great so far.my uncle helped restore a real sherman a few years back,did a lot of work making new parts in the workshop,as hes a trained turner\ fitter, his company assisted letting them use the workshop with the overhead cranes ect. they took it over to normandy for one of the d-day anniversary's   

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Tractorman810 said:

i have heard of these but never seen one in the flesh, looks great so far.my uncle helped restore a real sherman a few years back,did a lot of work making new parts in the workshop,as hes a trained turner\ fitter, his company assisted letting them use the workshop with the overhead cranes ect. they took it over to normandy for one of the d-day anniversary's   

Thanks Sean. Amazing machines, must have been wonderful to take the restored tank back to Normandy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wouldn't like to have to fuel it up, some big tanks on their. 175 Gallons and 120 mile range apparently!

There was an article, and front cover I think, on this in I think Classic Tractor or it may have been Old Tractor

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, super6 said:

I wouldn't like to have to fuel it up, some big tanks on their. 175 Gallons and 120 mile range apparently!

There was an article, and front cover I think, on this in I think Classic Tractor or it may have been Old Tractor

Yes, expensive business! Will see if I can track down the magazine article. The six air filters on the engine bonnet look impressive.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Hajo said:

Really nice project on to go here! Never thought this could even exist, how does the size compare to 1/32 models?

Thank you. It is 1/35 scale, basically because I wanted to use a ready-made track kit from Tamiya. As the model is a big tank I would say the difference in scale compared to 1/32 is not really noticeable. Another picture of the front view of the real one is attached.

crawford sherman conversion4.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.