Takom 1/35 M4A1 VVSS build

[Dan]

Just started this today and so far has been a great fitting kit. I will probably replace the kits track with the T-49 type based on a photo. Another cold day here tomorrow, so I think I’ll get some modeling in.

[Dan]

FDA has casting symbols, but they are pretty weak looking but correct. I scrapped them off and added some Archer markings.

[Tank_1812]

Looking good.

[Dan]

Thanks, I hope it keeps fitting well.

[Dan]

Idler wheels are in four pieces to get the outer lip. The kit gives two options of idler wheels.

[Dan]

More great fit.

[Dan]

Solid roadwheels are split down the middle except for the modified open spoke type. More putty work.

Sherman VVSS suspension

[DLW333]

This is a kit I am very interested in, I look forward to knowing about your progress. Dave

[Tank_1812]

Interesting engineering choices by Takom.

[Dan]

Sure is. Some putty is involved.

[Dan]

So far it’s a winner in my book.

[Dan]

One truck done. I don’t understand why they made the skid in two parts, so some more putty work. But they do have the four holes drilled on the opposite side of the roller. I think they are the first company to do this.

[Dan]

Grease fittings.

[Dan]

Wished I had seen these earlier.

[Tank_1812]

@Dan

But they do have the four holes drilled on the opposite side of the roller. I think they are the first company to do this.

I agree, they are the first that I recall.

[Dan]

Some pics taken in Appleton, MN.

[Shermaniac]

@Dan

I’ll be following this one closely as this might be the next Sherman kit I build after I complete my current project. It does seem silly to split those items in half, the sprockets, the idlers, the road wheels, and the skids. I wonder if it was done for some practical reason from a mold engineering POV. Something tells me it was just a choice of how they wanted to make the kit.

I might skip the road wheels by using DML or Asuka spares when I build this, I don’t now.

[SSGToms]

Yes, Takom is the first manufacturer to feature the 4 mounting holes opposite the return roller. Hurray Takom! They probably molded the skids in two halves so that they could mold the inside mounting bolt there. RFM has you cut them off the sprue and glue them on. With Takom, that’s a lot of parts seam lines they could have avoided. And I don’t understand the breakdown of the bogie wheels. That’s a long seam that you have to get just right and repeat 12 times. Woah. I built Takom’s M31 and the bogies were straightforward. I love Takom kits. But these half wheels and skids are wierd choices.

[Dan]

I agree. I wish that I had seen that awhile ago and got some AM to replace these skids.

[18bravo]

It may be time to do another Sherman - I hated drilling those holes but would do it.