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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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| Filling the Hull Holes | May 28, 2007 |
| The Eduard set provides all the mounting points for the tools. All the DML tools had their straps and mounting points filed off prior to painting. I have found in the past that using putty such as Squadron Green Stuff the putty always seems to shrink and leaves a bit of a dent. To try and alleviate this shrinkage problem I inserted and then glued Evergreen styrene rod into the holes. When the glue has dried I snipped off the excess and sanded smooth the rod. You will also notice some Green Stuff on the rear end of the hull. The original DML M51 had a separate piece for the rear of the upper hull. It wasn't a perfect fit and some gaps were needed to be filled. This was later retextured using Green Putty and Mr. Surfacer to create the cast texture. I'm not sure if the current release by DML has a one piece upper hull or not. At this point the air intakes are glued in place. They were painted on the inside Israeli Khaki prior to being installed. |
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