Well Here I go again. This kit is listed as a late model but after consulting My Son Of Sherman Book it looks more like a Mid Production They give you 2 Turret uppers one to use with the Split Hatch and one with the ring of Vision blocks
There is also 2 different Mantels one small that goes around the Gun Barrel and a larger that covers the whole front area. The Wheels have a soft plastic / Rubber
You will have to be careful with the instructions as I think that they mixed up which Gun Mantlet goes with each turret. But then again anything is possible as they were rebuilt over and over mixing up the Parts.
Regards
Donald
8 Likes
Donald, I will be following along to get your thoughts on the build as you go.
As you know ILK is part of Trumpeter and we can expect the usual Trumpeterisms along the way I’m sure
Keith
1 Like
Dude, you’re a model building machine, love it!
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I started construction with the wheels and trucks.
Tomorrow I’ll start putting them together, Today was taken by fixing things.
Regards
Donald
8 Likes
I’m liking this very much.
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Today I will finish up the assembly of the Trucks.
If you super Glue the Springs to their Mounts, they are easier ti handle.
I hope my explanation helps if you are trying to assemble the trucks, It’s really quite simple just follow the steps.
On the return roller be shure to place the smooth end to the outside, that is unless you like looking at pushpin marks.
I have the M4A1 76 w Sherman , I checked and the Trucks assemble the same way, it’s just the Wheels are different.
Regards
Donald
7 Likes
Hello Donald, loving the work so far. I also have the M4A1 76 (W) in my stash, and am planning on doing the IDF version for the next IDF campaign. I love the bolts you added, could you please tell me the size bolts you used, and where you got them?
Thank you!
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Glad to help if I can.
I bought the Bolts a number of years ago, They come on strips with Boltheads on one side and the corresponding Nut on the other.
They were / are made by MENG I used the 1.8mm. size as that was the smallest I had left.
I think this size looks Ok.
Where to get them ?
I hope this helps.
Donald
2 Likes
Thank you….I remember seeing those online….not sure if they are in production any more.
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Actually found them on EBay….looks like there are 3 sets…small, medium and large….any remembrance of which set?
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I just checked on Sprue Brothers, they have an assortment of different sizes
Try MNGSPS005 or MNGSPS006 They have them listed for $7.49 U.S.Dollars
Hope this helps.
Donald
2 Likes
Thank you….it does
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Coming along well Donald. I do wish Trumpeter/ILK would drop the vinyl tyres though. I’m waiting for your thoughts as you progress through the rest of the build.
Keith
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I think that it would have been better if they had user regular BLACK plastic instead of the Vinyl.
The Vinyl doesn’t cut cleanly and it is hard to trim the flash off.
Regards
Donald
3 Likes
First some Sprocketing.
Now to the Hull.
I used Bare Metal Foil on the angled sides of the Periscopes, this will make them look more realistic.
I drilled shallow indents along the sides bolt hole strips.
Finished for today, More detail work tomorrow.
Regards
Donald
7 Likes
This takes time, I finally have the small parts installed.
Tomorrow it’s the paint department.
Regards
Donald
5 Likes
Hello, could you explain your process for doing the lenses for the periscopes?
Thank you
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It is really quite simple, but it only works on the Periscopes that are molded in Clear Plastic.
First you mask off the lenses, the flat parts that art looked at. Then I cover the angled side with Bare Metal Foil trimming around the edges. Then paint what color is correct. After the paint dries remove the Masking off the lens area, but don’t remove the foil. This acts like a mirror, and while you will not see images looking in it will let some light through giving the impression that they work.
if you check on some of my builds that I have posted, you can see what I mean.
Regards
Donald
3 Likes