Tag: sherman firefly

Sherman Firefly

The Sherman Firefly was a World War II British variant of the American Sherman tank, fitted with the powerful British 17 pounder anti-tank gun as its main weapon. Originally conceived as a stopgap until future British tank designs came into service, the Sherman Firefly became the most common vehicle with the 17 pounder in World War II.

This Sherman Firefly was on display at the Bovington Tank Museum.

Though the British expected to have their own new tank models developed soon (and were loath to consider using American tanks), British Major George Brighty championed the already-rejected idea of mounting the 17 pounder in the existing Sherman. With the help of Lieutenant Colonel Witheridge and despite official disapproval, he managed to get the concept accepted. This proved fortuitous, as both the Challenger and Cromwell tank designs experienced difficulties and delays.

After the problem of getting the gun to fit in the Sherman’s turret was solved, the Firefly was put into production in early 1944, in time to equip Field Marshal Montgomery’s forces for the Normandy landings. It soon became highly valued as the only British tank capable of defeating the Panther and Tiger tanks it faced in Normandy at standard combat ranges. In recognition of this, German tank and anti-tank gun crews were instructed to attack Fireflies first.

See the workbench feature on my Flames of War Sherman Firefly VC.

British Normandy Village Defence

British armoured forces defend a Normandy Village under a counterattack from German Forces.

Churchill and Humber Armoured Cars

A Sherman Firefly takes cover, behind a small hill.

Sherman Firefly

The rest of the Sherman platoon starts to move forward.

The rest of the Sherman platoon starts to move forward

Models from Simon’s collection, scenery from mine.

Column of Sherman Tanks

Another photograph of a column of Simon’s British Sherman Tanks move along the cobbled streets of a Normandy village.

British Shermans in column moving down a cobbled street in Normandy. Roads and buildings are from Battlefront.
British Shermans in column moving down a cobbled street in Normandy. Roads and buildings are from Battlefront.
British Shermans, pass by a fountain in Normandy. The fountain, roads and buildings are from Battlefront.
British Shermans, pass by a fountain in Normandy. The fountain, roads and buildings are from Battlefront.

Buildings and roads are from Battlefront. The fountain, outbuildings and walls were  the extras that you got if you subscribed to the Battlefront house deal.

Flames of War British Sherman Firefly

The Sherman Firefly was a World War II British variant of the American Sherman tank, fitted with the powerful British 17 pounder anti-tank gun as its main weapon. Originally conceived as a stopgap until future British tank designs came into service, the Sherman Firefly became the most common vehicle with the 17 pounder in World War II.

After giving a base coat for the underneath of Humbrol Dark Green. The model was then given a spray of Warpaint British Armour. The Dark Green spray adds shadow.

Flames of War British Sherman Firefly

Flames of War British Sherman Firefly

As you can see from this closeup, the spray does give the model an even coat, and combined with the sculpting does show off the cast turret that the Firefly had.

Flames of War British Sherman Firefly

Here is the Firefly with three regular Shermans (the resin models from Open Fire).

Flames of War British Sherman Firefly with three regular Shermans

See the workbench feature on my Flames of War Sherman Firefly VC.

Underneath the Flames of War British Sherman Firefly

The Sherman Firefly was a World War II British variant of the American Sherman tank, fitted with the powerful British 17 pounder anti-tank gun as its main weapon. Originally conceived as a stopgap until future British tank designs came into service, the Sherman Firefly became the most common vehicle with the 17 pounder in World War II.

The next stage is base coat for the underneath of Humbrol Dark Green. This will add shadow and depth to the main (top) base coat of Warpaint British Armour.

Flames of War British Sherman Firefly

As you can see from the top view, the white undercoat is still mainly visible.

Flames of War British Sherman Firefly

Flames of War British Sherman Firefly

See the workbench feature on my Flames of War Sherman Firefly VC.

Undercoating the Flames of War British Sherman Firefly

The Sherman Firefly was a World War II British variant of the American Sherman tank, fitted with the powerful British 17 pounder anti-tank gun as its main weapon. Originally conceived as a stopgap until future British tank designs came into service, the Sherman Firefly became the most common vehicle with the 17 pounder in World War II.

Within the blister, as with a lot of FoW models, you get a resin hull and turret and metal tracks and accessories. Having constructed the Sherman I gave the model a white undercoat.

Flames of War British Sherman Firefly

Flames of War British Sherman Firefly

See the workbench feature on my Flames of War Sherman Firefly VC.