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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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| Pigments | Jul 8, 2007 |
To compliment the pre-dusting work in the last chapter, I used MIG pigments to complete the dusty look on the tank. I basically used two different processes, one for the lower hull and another for the rest.
For the lower hull I used a large brush and a lot of pigments to really coat the whole tank. This is the area of the tank that gets really dirty and I wanted to show the dust piled up. Once applied, I rubbed my thumb over most of the areas to both rub in and rub off some of the pigments to give a varied effect. Then I did some drybrushing using flat black on the areas of the suspension where more direct rubbing would occur.
For the rest of the tank, I used a very small brush and just applied the pigments to corners and cracks where the dust would build up. The intent is not to cause a color change but simply to give the look of a tank that has been operating in a dusty environment. I rubbed off a little of the dust just give a blended look but for the most part it was just a slow process of piling up the dust in the corners until I got the look I wanted.
Up next: The Tracks |
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