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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]

Sprockets and IdlersJun 6, 2007
This next chapter will focus on the idler wheel and sprocket. The first picture shows the difference (from left to right) MP Models M50, DML M51 HVSS 1997 version and AFV Club sprockets and idlers. As you can see there isn’t a lot of difference between the parts except the newer the offering the more crisp the detail. What is disturbing about the DML set is that there are no inner bolts on the idler wheels. These were added using a Historex hexagon punch and die set (pic 2). I’ve already worn mine out due to using too thick of plastic and the punch twisting in the die. Historex should go to a thicker guide to help keep the punch aligned such as those on the Waldron punch and die sets.

Another disturbing detail associated with the idler wheel is the mount itself. There are recessed areas on the DML 1997 idler mount. This was corrected using once again the Historex punch and die set (pic 3). Finally the tensioning mount is totally wrong having incorrect shape, dimension and lack of detail. This is strange because on other period DML Sherman kits it is correct. The axel and mount was replaced with an axel from another DML Sherman. To get the idler to fit the new axel the hole was drilled out using a small electric hand drill (pic 4) that I will discuss later.

Next chapter will be about adding missing detail to the lower hull.


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