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Modeller Build Logs
Formations Sherman V DV (M4A4 Direct Vision) |
| By James Wechsler | | Started: | May 21, 2007 | | Updated: | Jul 14, 2007 |
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This blog could easily be subtitled ‘the easy way to do well at model contests’. Having just wrapped up a blog using the Tasca Firefly, I couldn’t believe there was anyway to make an even better Sherman. Then I remembered the Formations has now expanded their line to allow a complete ‘Formations’ Sherman minus only a couple of small parts.
So for this blog I’ll be building a Sherman V with direct vision ports as used by the British in the Burma campaign.
The Formations set that I’ll use are:
F067 Direct Vision M4A4 Hull
F080 Early VVSS Suspension
F018 Sherman Pioneer Tools
F050 Sherman Headlights
F003 Early M4 Dry Stowage Turret
F016 M34A1 Mantlet and M3 75mm Gun
In addition, I’ll be using tracks, sprockets and left over photoetch light guards from the Tasca Firefly.
I’ll also include in this blog a few chapters on ground work and a special ‘Burmese transportation vehicle’ for the base.
Up next: The Hull – major assembly
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| The Idlers | Jun 16, 2007 |
Formations idlers are designed to be mounted to a small cam which then allows them to swing once mounted to the idler mounts on the hull. This is a great feature (now offered on the latest Dragon and Tasca kits as well) in that it makes it easy to take up the slack in the tracks and get the correct tension.
But the mounting pins are shallow and Formations makes it clear that these are only intended for link-to-link tracks. Fortunately, there’s an easy modification to get them to work with continuous, one piece, flexible tracks.
I simply drilled a hole into the cam and idler and mounted a brass rod in it (see the photo). I then drilled a matching hole in the idler mount. This modification makes them more than strong enough for one piece tracks and the extended length of the pin makes it easier to adjust the idler once the tracks are on.
Up next: Rework |
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