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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]

Air IntakesMay 25, 2007
On the original version of the M51 by DML the area below the air intake castings on the rear of the hull were solid. Since these air horns are still apart of the M51 I assume that the Israelis did not weld them shut. There are other Sherman kits that also need to have this area opened up. The procedure used was to (first picture)first place the air intake horn onto the appropriate spot on the rear hull and use a printer's etching needle to lightly scribe around the casting. This will give a guide to where and how large the opening should be. (second picture)Next holes were drilled into the hull to start to open up the area. (third picture)A new X-Acto blade was then used to carve between the drill holes and create the correct shape for the opening. (forth photo)These casting are held in place by a long bolt that fits through a metal sleeve and screws onto a bar beneath the hull that holds the whole casting in place. This sleeve is evident through the opening. The sleeve was created using Evergreen round styrene stock.


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