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Modeller Build Logs
Tasca Sherman Firefly Vc |
| By James Wechsler | | Started: | Dec 1, 2006 | | Updated: | Apr 29, 2007 |
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OK, I’ll admit it, when I got the opportunity to do a blog using Tasca’s new Firefly kit I was giddy with excitement. I’ve got Tasca’s Pz. II Luchs, and I’ve built about three of their Sherman suspension sets, and two of their 0.050 cal MG sets. Tasca has yet to disappoint.
Now as a total Shermanaholic, I’ll admit that the thought of building a Sherman model that requires only a little bit of extra work is hard to fathom. I mean what is Sherman modeling without a bucket of aftermarket resin parts, replacement tracks, and a huge photoetch sheet? It’s … like modeling German armor (noooo don’t say it’s true)! There, I’ve said it. 2006 has been an allied modeler’s dream and Tasca’s Firefly is the grand finally of the fireworks show.
But in many ways I’m glad to be doing a blog using a great kit. My last two blogs involved extensive use of resin conversion and scratch built parts to make unusual Shermans. So they were heavily focused on construction tasks. Yet I’ve noticed that most of the comments I receive when I post photos of my models are requests for more information on how I do my painting, weathering, and groundwork. So for this blog I will spend less time on the construction tasks and more time on the painting, finishing and techniques for making simple ground work.
Up Next: The Construction Starts.
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| The construction starts | Dec 1, 2006 |
I always start with the big items and work my way to the small details. I’m just too clumsy to handle all those small parts while trying to assemble large components. So the hull is the first step. Unlike most of the other Sherman kits on the market, Tasca chose to make the hull in pieces. Usually a ‘flat’ mold is used to save cost but in this case I believe Tasca did so in order to add detail.
As noted in the various reviews, the fit of the pieces is excellent requiring just a little cleanup and no filling. But what’s most exciting is that some of the traditionally missing details are present. Most notable is the row of bolts on the lower hull side for attaching the transmission cover. This is one of the benefits of a making the hull in pieces. It’s not that hard to get out the punch and die set a knock out a bunch of hex nuts, but it’s nice to not have to go through this ‘make work’ project. Another part of the lower hull that’s hard not to be impressed with is the detail on the hull bottom. It’s accurate and well done even if it won’t be visible.
What will be more visible are the details on the sponson fillers and the rear hull. Tasca has designed this kit with the proper bulkheads and cut outs for the engine. One can only hope they’re planning to release an add-on set of for the engine. But if they don’t, I’m sure one of the aftermarket companies will. But for those not including an engine in their build, things like having the access doors on the rear hull as separate pieces adds a very convincing ‘3D’ look.
In addition, there’s a very nice rear screen and a exhaust assembly that’s hands down the best around. Everything fit together like a glove with little cleanup.
Overall, straight forward so far.
Up Next: That sweet tranny |
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