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Modeller Build Logs
Firefly IC Diorama |
| By James Wechsler | | Started: | Jul 15, 2007 | | Updated: | Aug 31, 2007 |
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This blog is intended to be a bit different than most in that a big focus will be on the diorama aspects. The focal point will be a Firefly IC (a welded hull M4 based Firefly). This will be built using the new Dragon Sherman III kit and the following Formations sets:
F079 M4 Conversion for the Dragon Sherman III
F022 Low Bustle Firefly Turrret
F018 Sherman Pioneer Tools
F050 Sherman Headlights
F046 Sherman Siren Assortment
F047 Sherman VVSS Track Skids
F013 US Cables and Clamps
The diorama is going to show the Firefly driving over a temporary bridge with a wrecked Panzer I command tank partly submerged in the river below.
I intend to include a number of chapters on making the ground work and also on how to make the water.
Up next: The M4 Conversion |
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| The M4 Conversion | Jul 15, 2007 |
Converting the Dragon Sherman III (M4A2 in US nomenclature) to an M4 is a somewhat amusing job in that it was only a few short years ago that we Sherman builders were converting the Tamiya M4 to a Sherman III!
The Formations conversion set is a pretty straight forward set consisting mainly of replacement parts. The engine deck is a set of two panels that are intended to drop fit into the Dragon upper hull. I found the parts slightly oversized but with a tiny amount of sanding they fit right in.
Also provided in the Formations set is a replacement panel for the upper hull’s rear deck plate. Using this involves cutting off the rear plate molded on the Dragon hull right at the weld seem. Doing this isn’t too tough but you’d need to redo the welding afterwards.
A much easier approach, also noted in the Formations instructions, is to use the Formations part as a template for cutting down the Dragon hull. I found that to be the way to go. It took me about 10 minutes with a Dremel tool and some sandpaper to make the modification and the advantage is that the Dragon lower hull fits up nicely and you can use plastic cement to attach it.
For the lower hull there’s a replacement rear panel with round air cleaners and engine exhausts. This part just fits where the Dragon parts usually go and I needed just a tiny amount of putty to fill the small gaps. One smart move from Formations is that the Dragon idler mounts fit right on the replacement rear hull panel. This allows you to use plastic cement to attach the idlers to the mounts for a more sturdy fit.
Up next: The hull from the front |
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