M50 Mk2 Super Sherman (Standard Version)

The IDF M50, dubbed as the Super Sherman or Isherman, was a heavily modified version of the American M4 Sherman tank. Primarily based on the first deployed M4A4 Sherman after WW2, the IDF deployed upgunned and stronger engines for their Sherman fleets from the mid 1950s to the early 1980s across the various Middle Eastern conflicts.

Visiting France to examine the then-new, lightly armoured AMX-13/75 light tank, the IDF developed a grafting solution of using the AMX-13’s high-velocity CN 75-50 75 mm main gun to a more familiar, standard, better armoured hull of American post WW2 in service. Starting in

In 1955, the Israeli Ordnance Corps military facilities began up-gunning their Sherman tanks of AMX-13’s 75mm main gun based on a prototype turret sent from France. Featuring the original smaller turret type, the M50 was fitted with a large counterweight at the turret’s rear end to balance the weight of a longer and heavier tank gun, in addition to smoke dischargers. Poor mobility on the original hull tank resulted in frequent mechanical failures, which led to converting the narrower tracks with the wider HVSS suspension system and a less flammable Continental and the Cummins V-8 460 horsepower diesel engine, Mark I and Mark II respectively with modified engine decks.

Manned by a crew of 5, the M50 was armed with the French originated AMX-13’s 75 mm main gun with a coaxially mounted 7.62 mm M1919 Browning machine gun. A turret mounted 12.7 mm M2 Browning heavy MG was deployed for both anti-air, and self.

First seen combat in 29 October 1956 invasion of the Sinai war, the M50 along with its M51 sibling tank saw later conflicts against heavier, Soviet built T-54/T-55/T-62 tanks. Around 75 M50s were given as aid to Lebanese Christian militias, Kataeb Regulatory Forces, Tigers Militia, Guardians of the Cedars, the South Lebanon Army, and the Lebanese Forces during the Lebanese civil war.

Ryefield Model M50 Mk2 Super Sherman (Standard Version) features:

• Highly detailed kit featuring crisp details.
• Slide molded, newly tooled turret with finely reproduced cast texture and weld lines.
• Finely reproduced cast texture on the lower hull and main gun’s mantle.
• Newly tooled engine deck with gun travel lock.
• Single piece, slide molded main gun barrel with 3D printed muzzle brake.
• Fully workable HVSS suspension system after assembly.
• Fully workable tracks after assembly.
• 3 types for the sprocket wheels.
• 3 types for the suspension volute springs.
• 3 types for turret antenna mounts.
• Clear parts for the headlight, and periscopes.
• PE parts for the headlights and periscope guards, and tow cable clamps.
• Length of nylon string for depicting tow cable.
• 4 marking options for 3 Lebanese Christian militias and 1 IDF units.
• 3D printed parts for M2 and M1919 machine guns, and smoke dischargers.