Well, since my Spit is stalled in the sight of the finish (waiting for a couple of spare parts to arrive from Airfix) and another build needs some parts to be able to continue too. I decided to start one of the builds I could use in this campaign. Not sure if I use the kit decals, as I would like a set of Star decals to show a Polish vehicle in Normandy.
Both RFM and Asuka’s Sherman VC.
Details on the RFM kit are fantastic, it’s just that their molding technology is inferior to Asuka’s. Asuka is up there with the likes of Tamiya when it comes to molding and fit, RFM is a little more crude in comparison. I find their models a strange mix between tremendous detail that is often let down by mediocre molding. Fit is not in the same ballpark as Asuka’s, so you’ll have more of a fight on your hand to get everything as it should.
In all fairness, the RFM Sherman Vc is easier to build than many of their other kits, because it’s a simple design and it’s molds are of a better quality than many of their other kits.
As I said, both will give you a fantastic model, where RFM will give you more of a fight (as in way more cleaning up of parts, or sloppy fit of parts) for slightly more detail, Asuka will be the easier build with slightly less detail (mostly in stuff like casting marks). Rumor has it that the original designer for Asuka came from Tamiya, but I don’t know if that’s true.
Both RFM and Asuka suffer from instructions that leave a lot to be desired.
Having said all that, I’d recommend both kits, one just has to figure out what one finds more enjoyable in a project. Me saying that I don’t agree that the RFM kit is so much better doesn’t mean I think it’s a bad kit, far from it. It doesn’t take much to bring an Asuka Vc up to par with the RFM kit detail-wise which combined with the ease of build means that they are still an excellent option if you want to build a Vc.
Moving forward on one of my projects for this campaign, the upgunned M4A3E2. Paint is on! Also added some missing cast marks.
Seems the discussion between modeling a RFM kit vs. Asuka for a 1/35 Firefly build is about even now. I will choose evenly as well in the future. Seems I can hold on to both kits expecting a satisfied build either way. Thanx to all of you for your opinions.
Great find. A few buddies, talked about this two years and asked about the interior the video showed.
It’s not indy tracks? I thought it was always indy tracks.
Indy tracks are only slightly more enjoyable than sanding road wheels, and fancy suspension clean up & assembly… 
Yeah I just finished the RFM HVSS bogies, 18 parts per bogie. 
Good point! But I avoid indy tracks like the plague so….suspension bogies and road wheels it is.
Only built one indy-link kit: Dragon’s 1/35 King Tiger about fifteen years ago. Actually wasn’t that bad using the liquid glue technique.
Wheeeeee!
It was nice weather today (for the first time this year) and I went to build outside. All went well, till there came a gust of wind. Away went one of wheel arms! I spent most of the late afternoon and early evening on my knees searching for the part. To no avail! I just sent an inquiry Asuka, in the hope they can provide me with a new part…
Anyone got experience with the parts service of Asuka?
Good Sunday, I’ve just given the M12 the last touches. As usual for me, I’ll be adjusting some dry brush a/o glaze after placing the model on the base. This is gonna be a minimal field ground, as per the original pic.
Very nice Stefano. Really like the finish and weathering, not overdone, but it has a nice used look. Very neat work
Stefano that is sweet! The weathering and the light mud look perfect. Nice tonality in the OD. Great model.
Thank you guys, I always try to be realistic rather than artistic. Glad you liked it.
Amen to that!
Can’t stand the “painted ladies” and “hoores” so often seen winning model competitions these days. Beautiful yes, but realistic? No!
(My personal opinion!)
Great job Stefano.
Nothing that a lady desires more is a good Friday night track bash 
Where does one find ladies of this inclination? Asking for a friend…
