Anyone Make A M7B1 Priest

CapnMac82

 

There's a lot of fertile ground for modeling M7s, plenty of photos, too.  MC M7s are really under represnted, too.

 

Indeed... I never even thought of a M7B1. But I currently have everything needed to convert one in my spares bin... John you just planted an idea...

CapnMac82

 

If memory serves the early B1s had a half-height MG cupola.  The Italeri kit (if memory serves) has a seam at the right spot to guide your surgery.

 

Which probably matches up with the mid production M7 configuration on the headlight and spare track stowage location.

Be sure to check your reference photos, too.

If memory serves the early B1s had a half-height MG cupola.  The Italeri kit (if memory serves) has a seam at the right spot to guide your surgery.

If you want to rivet count--not required but up to personal choice--there are some fiddly differences in the ammo bins (IIRC, might not be, memory is annoying that way).

There's a lot of fertile ground for modeling M7s, plenty of photos, too.  MC M7s are really under represnted, too.

i guess there is a santa clause lol.thanks for the advice and history lession.I found a pic of USMC m7b1 On Okinawa And Tought That Would Be A Awesome Subject lol

Yes, and that kit includes an M4A2 back deck so it can still be built OOB.

now will any m4a3 hull work like the italeri M4a3 wih a 76?

I agree, while the Italeri Sherman hulled vehicles are a little past their prime, turning the Italeri M7 Priest into an M7B1 would be a reasonable kit bash, especially if you get one of Italeri's Shermans that include the M4A3 upper hull. The parts would be an easy swap and you'd still end up with a complete M4 hull to make a Sherman.

In 1/35, there is no kit of the M7B1.

Academy and Dragon both make the early production M7 with the M3 bogie and three piece bolted transmission cover. They also have the early glacis configuration of headlights and spare track block stowage, as well as the lower side armor and shallow AA MG pulpit.

The Italeri M7 is a late production vehicle with the M4 bogies, single piece cast transmission cover, higher side armor, and deep AA MG pulpit. As well as having the later glacis plate configuration. All these features are common to the M7B1. So it would be the better starting point to do a conversion.

To convert you would have to swap out the engine deck, engine access door plate, exhausts, and upper hull rear plate with those of an M4A3. Nothing too extreme.