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Modeller Build Logs
M51 Isherman |
| By Michael Bedard | | Started: | May 19, 2007 | | Updated: | Jul 27, 2007 |
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June 5, 2007 marks the 40th anniversary of the Six-Day-War that is still having repercussions felt around the world even today. I was asked to write an article for Military Modelcraft International to mark this event. Well, between my lack of speed constructing my model, my lack of computer technical skills sending things international and the slow speed of mail my article unfortunately missing the April deadline for publication. Tony Little the editor has mentioned that the article will however appear in the August issue. I asked Tony if it would be alright to publish a BLOG on track-link about the M51 build and he agreed. He mentioned that the on-line BLOG would probably be more detailed in nature due to the restriction of space in the magazine. I would appreciate helping Tony out by at least purchasing the issue when it is published.
In honor of the Six-Day-War I decided to build the M51 Isherman (someone has stated that there is no such things as an Isherman). For me, a Sherman nut, it is the ultimate statement as far as the Sherman tank goes. I purchased the DML M51 shortly after it was introduced in 1997. I started the model around 2000 or so and it sat around for some time. This BLOG focuses on the original issue and what I have done to detail the kit. many of the parts I bought or made myself are present on the latest Premier version of DML's M51.I am sure that some of the Shermanaholic details I addedwould be appropriate for the newer release as well. Besides the DML kit I also bought the Aber fender set for HVSS Sherman and Eduard's photo-etch set (35182) that was meant for the Academy kit.
Hope you enjoy the BLOG and that there is something useful for your own model. |
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| Aber HVSS Fenders | Jun 26, 2007 |
This photo-etch set by Aber is top notch! Compared to the width of the DML fenders the Aber set is considerably wider. I didn't measure to see which is accurate but I really like the looks of the Aber fenders.
To make the fenders I would highly recommend a photo-etch folding tool. I had the original Hold & Fold for years. Last summer (2006) at the IPMS Nationals I bought the latest Hold & Fold from the original designer. Can't remember his name but he was very friendly and helpful (not to mention a great salesman). The first picture shows the small bracket placed into the tool. Picture 2 shows one side of the bracket already folded and a tweezer placing the bracket into the tool. Picture 3 shows the folding blade (included with the tool) bending the bracket into shape. I have found this latest Hold & Fold an extremely useful tool. A multitude of fold bracket shapes and sizes makes the tool applicable to a wide range of shapes and sizes of photo-etched pieces.
Final picture 4 shows the fenders installed. The Aber set includes the fenders (with etched holes for sand skirts), brackets, front fenders, etched bolts for front fenders and end pieces for volute springs (an absent detail on all HVSS suspensions except the newest DML set). I eventually had to remove and relocate the brackets as the M51 has fewer and in different loction than the standard Sherman. Due to the round shape of the M4A1 hull some of the end brackets needed stand-off shafts (as per the actual vehicle) to accommodate the brackets.
Next chapter will be cleaning up the tracks. |
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