|
|
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. |
|
|
|
| Assembling the Suspension | Jun 3, 2007 |
These are the parts that make up the 1997 version of DML’s M51 (pic 1). The parts fit well but there are a couple of weaknesses. Their major weakness is the fragile mounting point along the hull. I had them break off a couple of times during construction and painting. Another sore point are the heavy sink marks along the ground surface of the wheels (pic 2). I used Squadron Green stuff the fill the sink marks and sand smooth. A detail that is missing are the oil points on the main road wheels.
It seems that the newer release of DML’s M5. 1 include their newest rendition of the HVSS that was included in the M4A3E8 “Thunderbolt’ Sherman. I haven’t built the new HVSS but is far more complicated and articulated than the 1997 version. The newest version of the HVSS has added the grease spouts and the sink marks are taken care of my molding the tires as separate pieces. I was trying to build along with the M51 MP Models M50 that dates from the early 1990’s or late 1980’s (I’ll have to dig out the old box and find out the exact date). Back in the early 1990’s the MP Models suspension was well received. Comparing the set now to other sets it is obvious that the MP Models road wheels are far to thin. The details on parts are soft in spot also. I have been building AFV Club’s M40 also and their set is superb. There is a comparison of the MP Models M50 HVSS, DML’s M51 HVSS (circa 1997) and AFV Club’s M40 HVSS (pic 3,4).
Next installment will be sprockets and idler wheels.
|
 |
|
|
