Throughout WWII, many prototype tank designs never made it to the battlefield but the innovations developed during their gestation did make it into production as refinements to existing designs.

Case in point is the T-23 prototype, a radical innovation with heavier armor, electric drive, new turret, and 76mm high velocity gun. The T23 turret was later adapted to the Sherman tank and the lower hull eventually became the Pershing. It was even a test bed for the HVSS suspension. Though rejected for its complexity and excessive cost, the technology gained made it a crucial link in the evolution of US armor design.

I ask, what if? I will build the T-23E4 derivative as if on combat trials just to have a vehicle no one else has. There are drawings of this type in Honneycutt’s Pershing book and that is enough of a validation for me. T-23 may have never seen combat but it will once I get my hands on it! Besides, I have to do something with the spare Pershing I have, and all the spare Sherman parts.

The missing Link as it were. the genesis of the American tank from the sherman line to the later patton tanks was the t20 series. the t23 model featured a 76mm gun in a new turret and electric drive.
The missing Link as it were. the genesis of the American tank from the sherman line to the later patton tanks was the t20 series. the t23 model featured a 76mm gun in a new turret and electric drive.
You can see the Pershing lineage in the front glacis.
You can see the Pershing lineage in the front glacis.
This Scale model is a good example of the earlier VVSS prototype.
This Scale model is a good example of the earlier VVSS prototype.
Tiff also donated a set of HVSS that lay unused from his many VVSS scratch-builds. I bolted these in to the approximate position and test fit the track. The next challenge is modifying the front idler as the Pershing part mounts with the first bogie assembly. Other areas of cosmetic work include the front glacis and rear engine deck. The T-23 had a rounded rear deck and different access hatches.
Tiff also donated a set of HVSS that lay unused from his many VVSS scratch-builds. I bolted these in to the approximate position and test fit the track. The next challenge is modifying the front idler as the Pershing part mounts with the first bogie assembly. Other areas of cosmetic work include the front glacis and rear engine deck. The T-23 had a rounded rear deck and different access hatches.
Other areas of cosmetic work include the front glacis and rear engine deck. The T-23 had a rounded rear deck and different access hatches.
Other areas of cosmetic work include the front glacis and rear engine deck. The T-23 had a rounded rear deck and different access hatches.
The process starts by taking the Pershing lower hull and backdating it to a form that would have fit the VVSS or HVSS suspension. I have seen some drawings that indicate piers on each side adapted as necessary to the approriate suspension type. Using my motor tool, all the Pershing torsion bar mounts are removed and a cover plate is shaped from .60 plastic card.
The process starts by taking the Pershing lower hull and backdating it to a form that would have fit the VVSS or HVSS suspension. I have seen some drawings that indicate piers on each side adapted as necessary to the approriate suspension type. Using my motor tool, all the Pershing torsion bar mounts are removed and a cover plate is shaped from .60 plastic card.
The inside will be epoxied when the time comes to add strength and seal up the hull. Now all I need is the complete HVSS suspension from Tamiya.
The inside will be epoxied when the time comes to add strength and seal up the hull. Now all I need is the complete HVSS suspension from Tamiya.
Tiff Williams parted with an old casting of a T23 turret and I began modifications by adding the Tamiya traverse components and recoil stay.
Tiff Williams parted with an old casting of a T23 turret and I began modifications by adding the Tamiya traverse components and recoil stay.
I used the Pershing parts as it was simpler to me than adapting the Sherman parts.
I used the Pershing parts as it was simpler to me than adapting the Sherman parts.
I plan to build the E-1 derivative as I have a gutted Pershing for the Project.
I plan to build the E-1 derivative as I have a gutted Pershing for the Project.
t23 early. the turret would go on to be used in later sherman models.
t23 early. the turret would go on to be used in later sherman models.
Interesting in this prototype was the electric drive. The engine basically was a generator and the transmissions were electric.
Interesting in this prototype was the electric drive. The engine basically was a generator and the transmissions were electric.
t23e3-medium-tank was the first torsion bar variant and later formed the pattern for the Pershing.
t23e3-medium-tank was the first torsion bar variant and later formed the pattern for the Pershing.