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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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| Final Details | Apr 2, 2007 |
This is the last chapter of this blog that deals with the building of the tank itself. Future chapters will be dedicated to the figure and the base.
With the tracks done, I fitted them to the hull. The rear idlers are on a cam so you can adjust the track tension. I slipped them in at the rear most position, intending to finalize their location after the tracks were on. But that turned out to be the right location and tension alone was enough to hold them in place so no glue was needed. I also did not glue the sprockets in place either, preferring to allow them to be adjusted in and out to make sure the tracks are aligned correctly. This was one of the easier Sherman track mountings I’ve done and believe me, there have been a few that were brutal. Nice to not have to fight that battle again.
After the tracks were on, I started on the remaining details. One thing I noticed was that the end connectors for the tow cable seem too small in diameter. So I replaced them with a set from Formations. I really can’t see how to use the Tasca set with the correct size cable. I like to paint and weather the cable separately from the vehicle and attach it at the end. The cable was painted in a base coat of Model Master Raw Sienna, dry brushed with Model Master Dark Anodonic Gray, washed with Raw Umber, and then given a treatment of MIG Pigments consisting of a combination of European Dust, Industrial City Dust, and Dry Mud. Sort of a home brew.
I painted the periscope lenses and taillights gloss black. The upper left taillight is in red and the headlights and searchlight are painted chrome silver. I made the lens for the lights by putting a drop of 5 minute epoxy in the cavity. It’s an easy process that gives and excellent lens so I didn’t use the ones supplied by Tasca.
A tie down rope was added to secure the stowage. This was made using some model ship rigging which is nice since it’s the right color and thickness so you only need to tie it down and you’re done.
So that’s it for the tank itself, on to the commander figure and the base.
Up Next: The Commander- basic painting |
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