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Modeller Build Logs

M51 Isherman

By Michael Bedard
Started: May 19, 2007
Updated: Jul 27, 2007

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.

Introduction First issue DML M51 Where it wll go Air Intakes Filling the Hull Holes Starting the Suspension Assembling the Suspension Sprockets and Idlers Lower Hull Details Painting the Lower Hull Adding the Suspension to the Hull Aber HVSS Fenders Preparing the Tracks Metal Details Turret Details Israel Khaki Wash and drybrush Completing the tracks Finishing the tools Start of weathering Last Chapter
[Discussion]

Turret DetailsJul 4, 2007
In this chapter I get to brag a bit (even though my parents influenced me to be quite humble). I replaced the commander’s cupola with the clear cast version of the vision cupola from Tiger Models (picture 1). I made the master for Joe using reference from an actual Sherman (check out my article on riding a Sherman). As far as I know there are no Sherman kits that have the interior periscopes (picture 2). Even the newer DML commander’s cupolas have just clear inserts. Joe sent me a few because I made the master ands so I decided to use one on this build. To my surprise when painted the cupola’s periscope mimic the actual thing quite well! From above they appear dark and from level you can peer inside. I thought ‘wow, this is cool!’ This all came about because I added the interior part of the periscope and Joe cast the unit in clear resin. When I use this item again I will first paint the inside of the periscope gray prior to painting the interior white. The inside of the periscopes are sort of gray or a flat metal color. Get this set for your Sherman and you won’t be disappointed.

The gunner’s periscope is missing and this was also replaced with a Tiger Models item that I mastered for Joe (picture 3). Though painted in this picture (picture 4) you can see the missing bolt or rivet s that has been placed around the gun mantlet cover (they are easier to notice in the previous chapter’s picture). These were added using a Waldron Punch and Die set. You can see the great detail on Combat Series modern MG mount also.

Next chapter is a quick look at painting the base color.


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