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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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| Preparing the Tracks | Jun 30, 2007 |
The tracks on DML’s original M51 were individual links with separate guide horns. On the plus side the guide horns were hollow as per the actual vehicle but on the con side the end connectors were molded onto the shoe and there were punch marks to deal with. Having the end connectors molded onto the shoe the detail of the track pins on the end are lost. This isn’t too serious since it seems that some T-80 tracks have caps on the pins that make them appear flush. This is one part of Sherman lore I am not clear on.
Punch marks on the original T-80 tracks are on the outside face of the track that must be dealt with. Picture 1 shows a track link unprepared and another that has been modified for a spare. In picture 2 you see the Micro Detailer that is sold by Hap Wolfgram an excellent modeler from Wisconsin. This tool is by far one of the more useful modeling tools that I have ever bought. A battery operated mini drill that seems to have just the correct amount of torque and speed to use on styrene. It doesn’t (at least to my knowledge) have available a chuck for adjusting for various drill bits. It comes with 3 diamond tipped bits and a chuck key for about $25. At one time Hap also sold an additional grinding set that has 20 various shaped tipped grinding bits for about$20. I have used the bits and tool often. Picture 3 shows the detailer being used with a diamond bit to remove punch marks on the tracks. I found the styrene dust excessive using the Micro detailer for the job however. I went back to using the X-Acto chisel blade to prepare the tracks (picture 4). This step took a while to finish.
Next installment will be adding the Eduard photo-etch set.
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