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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]

Painting the Lower HullJun 18, 2007
I have decided to make this chapter just about painting the lower hull. Attaching the suspension I want to highlight a particular tool and the weak points of the 1997 version of DML’s HVSS suspension.

I like to paint the lower hull and suspension separate mainly to reach those difficult areas that an airbrush may miss. I started by painting the lower hull and sponsons PollyScale # 505348 Israel Khaki. The acrylic dries quick and easy to start washes and drybrush. I would suggest using distilled water to thin PollyScale paints. Some formula has changed and the PollyScale Airbrush thinner has had a recent strange effect on their paint. When added it coagulates the paint making it useless. I haven’t seen PollyScale Airbrush thinner on the shelves for several months now. Apparently I haven’t been the only one experiencing this problem. The PollyScale dries quickly and after about 20 minutes I put a wash of Winsor/Newton Raw Umber over the lower hull (picture 1). I like to use Raw Umber on colors like this Khaki and German Dark Yellow. It gives a real good shadow effect without changing the color like black. Drybrushing starts with Winsor/Newton oil colors mixed to match the PollyScale color. I like the oils because it softens the wash areas quite well. I do force dry the oils in a drying box over night. Final drybrushing is done with Vallejo acrylics (picture 2). Once drybrushed I give the painted areas a coat of PollyScale Flat to help unify the surface.

Next chapter attaching the suspension.


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