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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 Turret – A change in plans | Jun 7, 2007 |
Well I had planned to use Formations set F003 Early M4 Dry Stowage Turret for this build since it’s the correct turret and a really easy to use set. But then I realized that I still had a left over turret from the Pakistani Sherman blog (http://www.track-link.net/blogs/55) I did last year and I just hate to not use good parts.
Well I should have paid a bit more attention before making that choice. In looking closer I realized that my spare turret was actually a later model, low bustle turret with no pistol port and the cast in armor on the right front of the turret. Not the right one for this build.
But I’m stubborn and I decided I could rework the turret. Actually, it wasn’t very hard. I found a left over pistol port from a Tamiya kit. It took just a little filler to get it all faired in correctly. At first I thought fixing the thickened cheek armor was going to be tough. The model I’m making has the add-on appliqué armor and I had a left over piece from the Tasca Firefly kit and when I laid it on the turret, it fit like a glove. So all I had to do was to fill the thickened armor undercut that’s visible near the bottom of the turret. I did this with a strip of sheet plastic and a little sanding.
Turret saved!
Up next: The Turret – Small Parts |
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