Outer Vehicle Tool Stowage on the Sherman Firefly Mk Ic (Hybrid)

[Chris Preston]

'Evening All,

A question for you more knowledgeable types on Sherman Fireflies, this time regarding vehicle tool stowage on the rear hull. For British and Commonwealth Fireflies, particularly Mk Ic's (Hybrid) did they carry the gun cleaning rods, and if so, where were they stowed? Also, what was the most typical location for the Idler Adjusting tool, and the Hand Crank Starting Handle?

The new Model Centrum pub on Sherman Fireflies, has two scale diagrams for Mk Ic's - early and late, with subtle differences in tool stowage on the upper rear hull.

Thanks in advance.

Chris Preston
Victoria, BC

[Tim Bell]

On Sherman VC:

• 5 x Stave, Intermediary, No2, 17pdr, Mk1
• 1 x Stave, End, No72, Mk1

Carried in:

• Rear Bin, Hull, Outside.

I do not have the stowage list for the IC available at the moment.

Tim

[Tim Bell]

In respect Fireflies in general, the layout of stowage, kit and fittings changed regularly as the in-service reports identified problems with the original layout.

In my opinion... IC, IC/Hybrid, VC relate to the base platform... the modifications found on them relate in part to the vehicle type due to the variations in hull and engine, but in the main, relate to the time the vehicle was converted and what in-service updates were applied.

So... quite simply to a certain extent "anything goes"... as long as you don't try sticking the big rear hull stowage locker found on the VC on the back of the IC.

Tim