Hello!
I have seen on Armorama website that Bronco will produce a plastic 1/35 17pdr gun. I am very happy about that: I have two modelling project with the 17pdr gun, one about a 1948 towed by a WC51 and one , static probably 1967 ( the ref pic is from your website).
For the M7, I am totally lost. What I understand till know is that the new Academy one, was not the best for an Israeli version and the old Italery was the best one but maybe not totally accurate. Do you have any idea about the future DML one? I really hope that someone will clearly state which one is the best basis for an Israeli, I still didn't buy any of the kits, even it is one of my very early projects, and I hope that the DML one will be the solution!!
Thank you for your help
Chabbat Chalom!!!!
Emmanuel

I haven't got a clue yet about the DML. But the Academy kit is not that bad. I built my IDF Priest with it as base. What you need to do is replace the transmission cover with a welded round type (mine came from accurate armour). You also have to use some plasticard to redo the engine deck (basically only a cover over the vents). The breech is rather accurate but the interior can use some TLC. You also want to build a travel lock and if you feel like it you can replace the light guards with PE. You also need to replace the tracks with chevron type Sherman tracks (forgot the number) and optionally you can swap the wheels with dish capped wheels. It's a good thing the Academy kit comes with both mid and late production suspension. VLS has / had correct IDF markings for this vehicle and come as dry transfers. I took the M7 at the Beyt ha-Totchan Museum as a reference.

Edit: removed a zillion typo's from trying to post on a touchscreen phone.

I had a chance to look at the DML boxart, and it is indeed a mid production M7. Judging from the boxart the suspension, wheels, tracks and high machine gun pulpit are correct for an IDF Priest, but at least the three-piece transmission cover is wrong and needs replacing.

Based on the pictures at the IDF artillery Museum, the DML one needs a lot more work than that. All require replacement of the engine deck to A1 standards, the tranny needs to be replaced, and the the pulpit is only a single level. The Israeli's received their's with out the side folding armor for the rounds and made theirs but left the rear one off. Also, it appears that most of the roadwheels on this example are dished. Overall, I have to say that Academy is your best starting point.

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/sh ... rps-Museum

Take at look at the Concord book on American SP artillery by Steve Zaloga. M7s built without the side armor were often upgraded with welded plates, prior to the introduction of the folding variety. The welded plates followed the contour of the forward part of the side plate, while the factory-built folding plates had rounded corners. The welded plates were later cut away and put back on with hinges. The forward portion retained its original shape, as seen on the Priest at Beit Hatotchan. Never say never, but I haven't seen an IDF Priest with the factory version.

Tom

Tom,
I agree but the easiest difference to me is the pulpit. Dragon's and Italeri's have the wrong design where the Academy seems to be correct, making for less scratch building or kit bashing. The only issue that I see will be replacing the 3 piece transmission cover with a 1 piece and having it all line up properly.

Mark