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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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| Colonel Hathi | Jul 11, 2007 |
OK, for those of you who do not have children and/or are not big fans of the Disney animated movies, Colonel Hathi was the head elephant in the movie ‘Jungle Book’ which Disney released in 1967 and takes place in India. He was proud to have served in the British Army and is a stereotypical British officer. For those of you reading this from Britain, absolutely no offense intended. Just a little fun.
Anyway, when I started on this project, the one photo that really caught my eye was of a Sherman driving by an Elephant with a couple people on top. I’d long noted that Verlinden makes just such an elephant with a couple of Asian kids riding on it and I thought this would be a great scene.
The elephant is big, standing about 3.5 inches tall as measured from the ground to the top of its back. This translates to about 10 feet high and thanks to the wonders of the internet, this appears to be on the high side of a typical Asian elephant.
The Verlinden kit has really nice details, just too bad none of the parts fit together! All the white areas you can see in the photo are Squadron putty. Rescribing the elephant’s wrinkles was a real chore.
Up next: Thank God for National Geographic |
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