Special - Abrams Squad

Modelling the M551 Sheridan

The M551 Sheridan was an ambitious effort by the United States in the late 1950’s to develop a tank capable of being air dropped, as well as able to swim across rivers. The aluminum hulled, 152mm gun / missile launcher armed Sheridan entered service in 1967,  joining the fight in South Vietnam in 1969. There were many teething problems with the M551, it had issues with the 152mm gun, as well as survivability woes due to the aluminum hull. The Sheridan was vulnerable to mines, and RPG attack. 

Post-Vietnam, most Sheridans were removed from first line duty, with the exception of units of the 82nd Airborne. Some  National Guard units, and the National Training Center ( as opposing force armor ) continued using the Sheridan. The Sheridan managed to see combat into the 80’s and 1990’s, in Panama and in Desert Storm / Shield.

This volume from Abrams Squad showcases the talents and techniques used by some of the world’s top modelers to benefit those wanting to build models of the Sheridan throughout its service career.

Vital Statistics

Format - softcover, portrait format

Page Count - 235 pages

Size - 8.5” x 12”

Photos - Black and White / Full color images 

Tables / drawings / diagrams - none

All text and photograph captions are in English

What's between the Covers?

Above - the book’s somewhat unusual table of contents. Not quite your typical TOC, but it works!

This volume contains a very effective blend of historical background on the vehicle, as well as nicely photographed and explained modeling techniques. A great example of the “how-to” content can be seen above.

The various combat actions involving use of the M551 Sheridan over 4+ decades are examined and explained very well, and include very well chosen period images.

Above - a nice spread of photographs from the Vietnam War. The image on the right is terrific, showing the characteristic red soil weathering  and some in-field stowage. This image may well bring back memories to some…

Pretty much all aspects of modeling the Sheridan are examined in this volume, and illustrated with crystal clear images. The Sheridan is quite thoroughly examined from the model builder’s standpoint, from tracks to stowage and crew figures, and all points in between.

The peacetime service of the Sheridan isn’t neglected at all, with a nice article on the REFORGER training exercises. Images in this chapter serve as great camouflage reference for Cold War era Sheridans.

Interesting period images are found throughout this volume. More Cold War era images above, including a great shot of a Sheridan being air delivered to Germany from a C-130 in 1978.

All aspects of modeling the  Sheridan are well covered in this book, all done by some of the world’s premier model builders. The photo spreads for each model are very well photographed, and accompanied by clearly written text explaining the techniques used by the builders.

From the humid jungles of Southeast Asia to the desert sands of the Middle East, the Sheridan served in a vital role. In the early 1990’s Desert Shield /Storm was pretty much the swan song of these somewhat flawed, but still quite useful vehicles.

Above - nice images showing desert camouflaged M551’s in Saudi Arabia. These vehicles were among the first deployed with the 82nd Airborne to deter Iraqi aggression at the start of Operation Desert Shield, while the heavier armor was still en route from Germany.

Above - examples of stowage on the Sheridan is well examined, shown in terrific detail.

Above - crewing the Sheridan isn’t neglected either. The image above shows a great photo spread of well executed figures, stowage, and weathering effects. The authors have done a very complete job of addressing all aspects of modeling the Sheridan. 

Above - one final image of a two page spread, typical of the quality content to be found in this volume. 

Conclusions

For those with an interest in the M551 Sheridan and it’s service in the latter decades of the 20th century, from Vietnam to the liberation of Kuwait and many other actions in between, this is the book for you. This volume is amazingly complete and well presented. The seamless blend of historical content meshed with with terrific modeling content makes this book quite a valuable reference book.

Interesting historical content, check. Great “how-to” model building content, another check. Great images throughout, clearly written, interesting  text and photo captions fill the pages of this book. This book has me considering another build of this vehicle, that’s how good I find this study of the Sheridan. Fine work authors and builders!

Highly Recommended! 

Thanks to David Doyle Books for the review copy

Reviewed by Chuck Aleshire, AMPS Chicagoland

AMPS 2nd Vice President, Midwest Region

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