During World War II, the American M4 Sherman became one of the most widely used and recognizable tanks on the battlefield. Known for its reliability, ease of production, and solid mobility, it still faced one important limitation: high ground pressure in difficult terrain.
To solve this issue, crews and engineers introduced a simple yet effective modification - duckbills. While small in size, they had a significant impact not only on real tanks, but also on how we approach accurate Sherman tank models in 1/35 scale today.
What Were Duckbills on Sherman Tank Tracks?
“Duckbills” was the nickname given to Extended End Connectors (EECs) used on Sherman tank tracks. These were metal extensions attached to the outer edges of track links, effectively widening the track.
Their flared shape, resembling a duck’s bill, gave them their informal name.
By increasing the width of the tracks, duckbills changed how the tank distributed its weight - mething that proved critical in challenging environments.
Why Sherman Tanks Needed Wider Tracks
Early Sherman models were equipped with relatively narrow tracks compared to their weight. This resulted in high ground pressure, which caused several problems:
- Tanks could sink into mud, sand, or snow
- Reduced off-road mobility
- Increased risk of getting stuck during operations
These issues became especially visible in:
- The muddy fields of Northwest Europe after D-Day
- The snowy conditions during the Battle of the Bulge
- Sandy terrain in Italy and North Africa
How Duckbills Improved Track Performance
Adding duckbills effectively widened the track footprint, distributing the tank’s weight over a larger surface area.
This resulted in:
- Improved traction on soft ground
- Reduced likelihood of bogging down
- Better cross-country mobility
- Increased effectiveness in poor weather conditions
It was a simple, low-cost solution that could be installed in the field and made a noticeable difference in real combat situations.
Field Modifications and Real-World Variations
One interesting aspect of duckbills is that they were not always factory-installed.
In many cases:
- Crews added them manually in the field
- Availability depended on supply lines
- Installation quality varied
As a result, real Sherman tanks showed a wide range of configurations:
- Fully equipped with duckbills
- Partially fitted tracks
- Missing or damaged connectors
This inconsistency is an important detail - especially for modelers aiming for historical accuracy.
Drawbacks and Limitations
Despite their advantages, duckbills were not without flaws:
- They could break off under heavy stress
- Increased the overall width of the tank
- Required maintenance and replacement
Even so, most crews considered them a worthwhile upgrade.
Duckbills vs. Wider Track Designs
Later in the war, improvements such as HVSS (Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension) and wider track designs reduced the need for duckbills.
However, before these upgrades became widespread, duckbills remained an important and widely used solution.
Why Duckbills Matter for Scale Modelers
For scale modelers, duckbills are more than just a historical curiosity - they are a key detail that can define the accuracy of a build.
Depending on the time period and theater of war, the presence (or absence) of duckbills can significantly change the appearance of a Sherman tank.
Unfortunately, many standard plastic kits:
- Simplify track details
- Lack proper scale thickness
- Do not include duckbill connectors
- Use stiff or unrealistic track systems
Upgrade Your Model with Realistic 1/35 Workable Tracks
This is where aftermarket workable tracks in 1/35 scale - especially 3D resin printed tracks - make a major difference.
- Upgrading your Sherman with high-quality resin workable tracks allows you to achieve:
- Accurate track width and structure
- Realistic sag and natural movement
- Fine detail not possible in standard kit parts
- The ability to replicate duckbill-equipped tracks
Whether you're building a Sherman from Normandy, the Ardennes, or Italy, using realistic 1/35 Sherman tracks can dramatically improve the final result.
If you want to accurately recreate this feature, check our 1/35 Sherman workable tracks with duckbills - designed for maximum realism and fully functional movement.
A Small Detail That Makes a Big Difference
Duckbills are a perfect example of wartime ingenuity - a small modification that solved a real battlefield problem.
For modelers, they represent something equally important: the difference between a generic build and a truly accurate representation.
Sometimes, it’s the smallest details - like properly recreated Sherman tank tracks in 1/35 scale - that have the biggest visual impact.
Looking to upgrade your build?
Explore our range of 3D resin printed workable tracks for 1/35 scale tanks, designed for maximum realism, detail, and ease of assembly.