Pre-order - Rye Field Model 5161 - 1:35 M-50 Sherman early pattern Degem Aleph / Degem Beth

Pre-order item! Your order will be fulfilled once the manufacturer releases the model. Estimated availability: late September 2026. The delivery date is approximate and subject to change for reasons beyond our control.

Plastic Model Kit of the Israeli M-50 Sherman Tank (early, Degem Aleph / Degem Beth) in 1:35 Scale

Rye Field Model 5161 is a self-assembly plastic model kit representing one of the most distinctive Israeli conversions of the American Sherman tank — the early-production M-50. The kit allows the modeler to build one of two powerplant variants: Degem Aleph with the Continental gasoline engine or Degem Beth with the Cummins diesel engine. This distinction is important for accurately recreating a specific vehicle from historical references.

The model is part of Rye Field Model’s Israeli Sherman series, continuing the company’s work on the M-50/M-51 family. Unlike the later M-51 tanks equipped with HVSS suspension, the early M-50 retained the classic VVSS suspension with its characteristic bogies and steel tracks. The hull configuration reflects the hybrid nature of Israeli Shermans, assembled from various American Sherman hull types — as the Israeli defense industry relied on available surplus vehicles, early M-50 tanks featured different hatch layouts, filler caps, and frontal armor arrangements.

Inside the box you will find:

• Plastic sprues with hull, turret, suspension, and equipment parts
• Working individual-link tracks
• Parts allowing the choice between Degem Aleph and Degem Beth variants
• Photo-etched parts sheet
• Characteristic oscillating turret with CN 75-50 gun
• Water-slide decals for Israeli Defense Forces marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model technical details:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalog number: 5161
• Manufacturer: Rye Field Model
• Completed model length: approx. 174 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints, or modeling tools. The model requires assembly and painting.

Building the model:

This kit is intended for modelers with some prior experience — careful assembly of the VVSS suspension, individual-link tracks, and photo-etched components is required. Before beginning construction, it is recommended to decide which engine variant will be built, as this affects the configuration of the rear hull section.

For painting the M-50 in Israeli service, the characteristic desert beige and gray shades used by the Israeli Defense Forces during the 1950s and 1960s are recommended — Sinai Grey colors from AK Interactive, Mig Ammo, or Tamiya paint ranges are popular choices. A matte finish works especially well for emphasizing the military appearance of the model. To enhance the suspension, tracks, and chain details, the use of washes and desert dust pigments is recommended.

Essential tools:

• Model sprue cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Modeling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for smoothing mold attachment points
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for photo-etched parts
• Precision modeling tweezers
• Paint brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Modeling wash for highlighting details
• Optional: pigments for desert dust effects

About the vehicle – M-50 Sherman:

The M-50 was an Israeli conversion of the American M4 Sherman tank, developed in the late 1950s in response to Israel’s need to maintain armored combat capability against increasingly modern Arab military equipment. The heart of the conversion was the French CN 75-50 75 mm gun — derived from the German 7.5 cm KwK 42 gun used on the Panther tank — mounted in a modified oscillating turret inspired by the AMX-13 light tank. Combining the proven Sherman chassis with modern armament provided Israeli armored forces with a highly effective transitional combat vehicle.

The conversion was carried out in two main engine variants. Degem Aleph retained the original Continental R-975 radial gasoline engine, while Degem Beth received the more modern Cummins VT-8-460 diesel engine, better suited to Middle Eastern operating conditions. By the end of the 1950s, approximately 300 vehicles had been upgraded. The tanks saw combat during the Sinai Campaign of 1956 and achieved their greatest successes during the Six-Day War of 1967.

M-50 tanks remained in Israeli service during the Yom Kippur War in 1973, although they were gradually replaced by newer armored vehicles. After withdrawal from frontline service, some examples were transferred to regional allies. The M-50 represents an important chapter in the history of Israeli armored warfare — demonstrating the ability to combine available components from various sources into an effective combat system during a period when Israel had limited access to modern weaponry.

Technical data of the original vehicle (M-50 Sherman):

• Length: approx. 6.1 m (with gun)
• Width: approx. 2.62 m
• Height: approx. 2.74 m
• Combat weight: approx. 34 t
• Crew: 5
• Main armament: CN 75-50 75 mm gun
• Secondary armament: 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns
• Engine: Continental R-975 (Degem Aleph, approx. 420 hp) or Cummins VT-8-460 (Degem Beth, approx. 460 hp)
• Maximum speed: approx. 40 km/h
• Suspension: VVSS (Vertical Volute Spring Suspension)
• Production: conversions from the late 1950s, approx. 300 vehicles total

About the manufacturer – Rye Field Model:

Rye Field Model is a Chinese manufacturer of 1:35 scale plastic model kits, active since 2016 and specializing primarily in armored vehicles — especially World War II tanks and post-war Western armored vehicles. The company quickly gained recognition among modelers thanks to its highly detailed tooling, optional interior components, and working individual-link tracks. Rye Field Model kits are also known for extensive photo-etched parts sheets and well-designed assembly options that allow several subvariants of the same vehicle to be built from a single kit. Today, the brand is mentioned alongside companies such as Meng, Border Model, and Takom as one of the leaders of the modern armored modeling market. Rye Field Model kits appeal both to beginner modelers and to advanced diorama builders.