Outstanding job on that turret, the texturing is just right and your detailing is fantastic.
2 Likes
I primed the turret to check for flaws. I need to make welds around the mantlet lifting rings so that they look better.
The texture is ok.
I changed the position of the antennas.
And I assembled the supplied with the kit figure. I think I will remove the microphone from his hand and add a cigarette as if he is smoking and standing on the tanks front deck, next to the turret.
5 Likes
Texture looks spot on 
3 Likes
I have assembled most of the hull. Photoetch and other minor details have yet to be added.
If anyone is interested in tweaks and corrections or how to work on the suspension bogies I can elaborate more.
Overall I am pretty pleased with the kit and its quality. The fit is excellent and with some attention, dry fitting and planning ahead the build can be very smooth and effortless. My only issues are:
- The vinyl tires, not because they have a poor fit or anything but only because I do not feel comfortable using the material.
- The tensioner wheels at the back are not adjustable so this can lead to issues with the track length when combined with the bogie assembly.
- There is a small opening visible around the bow machine gun that needs to be filled. It is nothing major but just something that bothers me.
- The kits do not include tool straps for the tools unless one gets the specific kit with the extra photoetch/detail parts. One has to build his own straps.
I will be using T-66 tracks for this build in order to depict an early M4A3E8 with split hatch T23 turret. Markings will be generic since I do not want to add stowage to the model and I did not feel like depicting a well known - photographed vehicle without the proper equipment and stowage.
4 Likes
My go-to:
Sherman Minutia: the T23 turret
The mortar port was eliminated, but many of the early turrets were issued with the port, and a cover w/chain was provided.
Radio antennae are discussed, with reference pics.
The guns started w/o muzzle brakes, then had threaded muzzles with caps, and then came with the brake installed. Brake kits were distributed. Dust covers for the mantlet are also discussed.
Good luck!
2 Likes
Thanks for the feedback 
My reasoning for the choices made:
Almost all WW2 era photos show the port. The cover was added sometime in April 1945 I think so for an early in service vehicle the best option is to do without.
Muzzle brake is perhaps the only “late” detail I used, just because it is the only option provided.
I did not manage to find a split hatch turret with a cover so I did not add it. I am planning a second build with an oval hatch turret with “late” details" like the cover on the mortar, the mantlet canvas, the travel lock, first aid kit at the hull side etc.
2 Likes
The mortar port we endemic to the early low bustle and high bustle turrets mounting the 75mm gun. Pic from SHerman Minutia
IIRC, some early T23 had the split loader’s hatch, but production changed and the oval hatch became de rigeur. The oval loader’s hatch was included on the original turrets too.The pic above shows that.
This pic shows a T23, split loader’s hatch, and mortar port w/o cover, all on a fresh M4A1 (76) VVSS. The ovals were required for new tanks made after 15 August 1944.
I commend you on the project. Find a pic that suits your vision, and replicate it!
3 Likes
Don’t want to rain on your parade, but you might want to remove that handle on the M2 Browning. That represents a modern M2A2 with the QD barrel.
Older versions (M2/M2A1) lacked that handle.
3 Likes
That is is easy, never bothered to look into it. The only detail I checked for the .50 cal was the ammo box and its carrier.
Thanks for pointing it out, will do it asap.
3 Likes
I used these two illustrations as the basis for correcting the .50 cal and I also downloaded some manuals.
And ended up with this configuration (I had to add a block of styrene between the ammo box holder and the gun in order to make the assembly sturdier.
6 Likes
I think the second one is the one supposedly supplied with the kit.
1 Like
That’s an M23 “Equilibrator” Cradle Mount.; the big cylinder part has a spring that balances the weapon while the vehicle is running through rough terrain. This mount is the most common cradle mount used for the .50 cal on American/Allied vehicles during the war. It is still in use today, next to the current issue Mk64 mount.
2 Likes
The hull is ready for primer.
The labels for the caps on the engine deck are a nice touch but completely wrong. The chain is supplied with the kit.
I scratch built the spare link mounts with some left over pe fret and Meng nuts.
4 Likes
The tracks are done. I have to admit they might be the worst part of the kit. Lots of cleaning and mold lines, pinmarks on the external surface that cannot be fixed (and keep one’s sanity). I should have waited to add the spare links to the hull after assembling the tracks because I have enough links left plus pins that would look better than the ones shown in the instructions or I should have drilled the pinholes on the spare ones.
I am thinking of removing the pins before paint and keep them unpainted but I do not know if that is realistic.
The guide teeth are separate parts but adding them was easy.
2 Likes