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isnt there a ventilator cover missing from the position between the driver and assist driver?

Jeff,
When you get back there this weekend, there's a particular spot on the M4A3(105) that I'm looking for pics of.


There are a pair of bolt/screw strips that holds the gunshield onto the face of the turret. I'm looking for a clear picture or three of the lower bolt/screw strip. If you can get them, great!! If not, no big deal. I'll see if I can get them myself at Littlefield's in a couple of weeks.

TIA,

Toadman,
If I don't get you the pictures on Monday, then I'll do it during one of my lunch breaks during the week. Will a left, right and straight on shot due?

- SFC_Jeff_Button

Toadman,
If I don't get you the pictures on Monday, then I'll do it during one of my lunch breaks during the week. Will a left, right and straight on shot due?

That's fine! Remember, there's no hurry.

Thanks!!

I went back to this tank today and did a little "investigating", with the help of a small flat blade screw driver. Rear tow lug serial number is 56625. The only number in question is the first one, which might be a 3 instead but I believe it's a 5. Well since its unsecure, I climbed right in to get a few pics. Data plate was wasted with rust. Maybe if I had time I could read it but I was ina hurry not to get "caught" inside the tank.
Toadman, I screwed up and forgot to get the pics of the bolt / screw strip under the mantlet. Sorry, I did snap 77 picture throughout the day though at the two museums, it just slipped my mind. I'll try and get back to it.
I contacted Joe DeMarco with this serial number and hopefully he'll have some historical data or other info to report on this Sherman.

- SFC_Jeff_Button

Toadman, I screwed up and forgot to get the pics of the bolt / screw strip under the mantlet. Sorry, I did snap 77 picture throughout the day though at the two museums, it just slipped my mind. I'll try and get back to it.

I think you did just fine. Like I said, no hurry on the bolt detail. I should be able to get it myself next week. Thanks again for all of your work!!

Toadman, here are 5 shots of the "bolt / screw strip" that you wanted. I was driving by after a CSM meeting, swung in and snapped these. I found the serial number for this tank after a little scrapping on the right tow lug. I sent the info to Joe DeMarco and here is what he told me about this unique tank;
"S/N 56625 would have been the fifth M4A3(105)VVSS made by Chrysler,
May, 1944. That is certainly a very early one with early features, even including the one piece rear most engine deck plate.
The corresponding USA Number of 56625 would be USA 30103307.
I came across several references to 30103307 in the 1st AD records at
the US Archives. It was issued to the 1st Armored Regiment (later 1st Tank Bn) in Italy, 7/23/44. I have in my notes that there is a wartime photo of 30103307 in the Jan, 1995 issue of Military Modeling, but I'm afraid I don't have a scan.
Thanks for all your efforts with the Shermans at Ft Hood, Jeff.
Really interesting stuff your finding!
I hope you might have a genuine combat veteran Sherman there!"

Thanks Jeff! Those are excellent shots. What a find! Time to start saving my $$ for a trip your way next Spring!

Toadman, I look forward to meeting you and running you around the post.