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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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| Stowage | Jul 3, 2007 |
For some reason I completely forgot about the stowage on this build. Usually I’m planning it way in advance and sometime even mounting it to the vehicle before painting.
For this tank I wanted to have a pretty healthy amount of stowage and just as importantly, I wanted stowage with color variation. My concern is that the model is a pretty solid green and without some color changes it will end up a bit bland.
One piece of stowage that popped out from the photos was the huge pack that’s on the back of the tank. I’m sure what it’s used for but I could see it on a few tanks and I remembered that Verlinden made a set with this pack so I ordered one. I had to do a little power grinding to get it to fit around and over the stowage box I’d built and in the process I covered all of the latches on the box. I should have planned ahead.
It seemed that that piece might be in a Khaki color along with the other bedrolls. So I then choose a few other items including wood boxes and some ammo containers all of which have slightly different colors.
I also made a last minute decision to add a 0.030 cal machine gun since a few of the tanks can been seen with this weapon mounted. Verlinden makes a real nice set of four 0.030 cal MG in resin that have great detail and are affordable. The 0.030 cal ammo boxes also came in that set.
Up next: pre-dusting: part 2 |
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