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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]

Start of weatheringJul 21, 2007
Now is the start of the weathering of the M51. First step is to fade the paint and create dirt and rain streaks (I’m sure it has to rain in Israel once and a while). In picture 1 you will notice that the jerry cans, tow cable and tools have yet to be attached. This first picture shows Turpenoid (a odorless turpentine sold in art supply stores) being applied to the surface of the tank. I find that if there is not a coat of Turpenoid the paints applied for weathering appear splotchy. Picture 2 shows Winsor/Newton Raw Umber, Naples Yellow, Yellow Ochre and Flake White oil paints randomly applied to the surface. I do use darker colors where there are protrusions on the surface as to simulate built up dirt. Final picture 3 shows a damp flat paintbrush softening edges, blending and streaking the oil paints. Using the Turpenoid I find I seldom if ever need to place a dullcoat over the paint to dull it down.

Next chapter chips, rust and spills.


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