Cabana Boy

This Vehicle is made to represent a late war Sherman from the HQ company, 37th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored division. This unit was commanded by Col. Creighton Abrams, namesake of the M-1 main battle Tank. I included modifications from several wartime photos, not from any specific vehicle. The 37th adapted 3 major changes up until Feb, 1945.

(1). The addition of armor plate to the turret and hull scavenged from other disabled tanks.

(2). Abrams wanted the machine guns moved to more useable positions. .30 cal Brownings were placed in front of the commander and often the .50 cal was moved to the loader’s position.

(3). Sommerfield matting (chicken wire) was added to the hull so brush and other foliage could be attached.

My favorite tank is the Sherman and this particular model is my baby. It is a labor of love and will never be completely finished. I plan to continually add details and eventually include Pershing electronics. My Sherman has a nick-name, Cabana Boy. The moniker comes from the story of a lady friend and her wild weekend at the Hard Rock Casino pool in Las Vegas. The details are a sworn secret, what happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas.

Other firepower modifications included bow-mounted flame throwers and the up-gunning of the M4A3E2 Jumbos to 76mm. The 37th Tank Battalion saw 9 months of serious combat and received a Presidential Unit Citation with the rest of 4th Armored Division.