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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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| Metal Details | Jul 2, 2007 |
I just received a message from the editor of Military Modelcraft International (Tony Little) that the article on the M51 will now appear in the September issue, not the August. As a kind gesture for Tony allowing the BLOG on track-link it would be nice if some of you readers would pick up the issue.
This chapter deals with adding the Eduard photo-etch set to the M51. Eduard parts replace some of the molded on details. Picture 1 shows using the X-Acto chisel blade for removing the molded on details. I prefer the chisel blade to the Mission Models chisel because the broader surface is more stable and less likely to gouge. Also the angle of the blade’s cutting edge is made in such a way as the tool is sharper and pulls the removed material away quicker. I only use the Mission Model tool in areas that the X-Acto blade is too wide to use. In pictures 2 thru 5 show the Eduard parts in place on the tank. They appear as dark gray parts in the picture. Many of the Eduard parts are now supplied as photo-etched parts in DML’s Premium Edition of the M51 (at least according to the box that the model comes in). Other metal additions to the vehicle were replacing molded on handles or plastic handles with brass rod for the crew hatches, rear lower engine door and upper engine doors. Handles for the armored fuel caps were absent and they were made with the brass rod. The turret machine gun cradle is a lost-wax brass casting from Combat Series made by Cal-Scale. I’m not sure if Cal-Scale is still producing this series but they are by far some of the best detailing parts I have ever seen. Machine gun was replaced with an Academy M2 .50 cal and detailed with the Eduard pieces. Not seen in these pictures but the brass .30 cal hull machine gun was replaced with a stunning item from Armorscale. Springs on the loader’s hatch were removed and replaced with brass rod. To make springs I anneal the brass first than carefully wrap the rod around a drill bit. In 1/35th scale I usually use either .06 or .10 brass rod. Storage racks for the spare tracks are shown vertically stored in the Eduard instructions and I went with that. Most M51s have their tracks stored horizontally but I did find in Hunnicutt’s Sherman book a picture of vertically stored set of tracks. Final picture 6 shows the painted suspension and lower hull taped off to be able to primer the upper hull. I use acrylic paints and found that if you don’t primer metal parts such as photo-etch and turned barrels the acrylic paints do not adhere well. I prefer Alclad’s primer as it is super thin, adhere well and gives a great surface for paint to attach.
Next chapter will be about additional turret details.
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