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Forums - Site / Build Logs

Messages in this Build Logs forum are automatically posted when new Build Logs or Chapters are added. Other modellers can then comment on them. Refer to the Build Logs section for more information.

Topics	81
Messages	3069

Subject:

[Chapter] The M4 Conversion

Date:

Jul 15, 2007

From:

James Wechsler

The M4 Conversion

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

Thread Listing

[BLOG] Firefly IC Diorama - James Wechsler - Jul 15, 2007

. . . [Chapter] The M4 Conversion - James Wechsler - Jul 15, 2007

. . . . . . Re: [Chapter] The M4 Conversion - Martin Dogger - Jul 15, 2007

. . . . . . . . . Re: [Chapter] The M4 Conversion - James Wechsler - Jul 19, 2007

. . . . . . Re: [Chapter] The M4 Conversion - Michael Bedard - Jul 15, 2007

. . . . . . . . . Re: [Chapter] The M4 Conversion [IMG] - James Wechsler - Jul 19, 2007

. . . . . . . . . . . . Re: [Chapter] The M4 Conversion-James [IMG] - Michael Bedard - Jul 22, 2007

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: [Chapter] The M4 Conversion-James - Jim Wechsler - Jul 27, 2007

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tasca Firefly - Michael Bedard - Jul 28, 2007

. . . [Chapter] The hull from the front - James Wechsler - Jul 16, 2007

. . . . . . Re: [Chapter] The hull from the front - Rob Stout - Jul 18, 2007

. . . . . . . . . Both - James Wechsler - Jul 19, 2007

. . . [Chapter] The hull from the rear - James Wechsler - Jul 18, 2007

. . . [Chapter] The Turret - James Wechsler - Jul 20, 2007

. . . [Chapter] Painting - James Wechsler - Jul 22, 2007

. . . [Chapter] Markings and Detail Painting - James Wechsler - Jul 27, 2007

. . . [Chapter] Weathering - James Wechsler - Jul 27, 2007

. . . . . . Re: [Chapter] Weathering - Martin Dogger - Jul 28, 2007

. . . [Chapter] Figures - James Wechsler - Jul 27, 2007

. . . . . . Re: [Chapter] Figures - Andrew Herbert - Jul 28, 2007

. . . [Chapter] Putting the Firefly together - James Wechsler - Jul 28, 2007

. . . . . . Re: [Chapter] Putting the Firefly together - Ronald J. Lopes - Jul 31, 2007

. . . [Chapter] Starting the Diorama - James Wechsler - Aug 3, 2007

. . . [Chapter] The Base – Initial Construction - James Wechsler - Aug 3, 2007

. . . [Chapter] The Treadway Bridge - James Wechsler - Aug 4, 2007

. . . [Chapter] The Panzer I Command Tank - James Wechsler - Aug 16, 2007

. . . [Chapter] Shaping the Base - James Wechsler - Aug 17, 2007

. . . [Chapter] Boxing in the Base - James Wechsler - Aug 19, 2007

. . . [Chapter] Groundwork - James Wechsler - Aug 20, 2007

. . . . . . Re: [Chapter] Groundwork - spencer - Aug 23, 2007

. . . . . . Re: [Chapter] Groundwork - Glenn Bartolotti - Aug 28, 2007

. . . [Chapter] Preparing for the Water - James Wechsler - Sep 2, 2007

. . . [Chapter] Pouring the water – part way - James Wechsler - Sep 2, 2007

. . . [Chapter] Pouring the water – completed - James Wechsler - Sep 2, 2007

. . . [Chapter] The Surface - James Wechsler - Sep 2, 2007

. . . [Chapter] Attaching the Bridge - James Wechsler - Sep 2, 2007

. . . [Chapter] The Final Steps - James Wechsler - Sep 2, 2007

. . . . . . Fantastic as always, and yes I am inspired - Hans Haase - Sep 2, 2007

. . . . . . Re: [Chapter] The Final Steps - Christopher C. Tew - Sep 3, 2007

. . . . . . Re: [Chapter] The Final Steps - Glenn Bartolotti - Sep 3, 2007

. . . . . . Re: [Chapter] The Final Steps - John Geigle - Sep 3, 2007

. . . . . . . . . Re: [Chapter] The Final Steps - James Wechsler - Sep 4, 2007

. . . . . . . . . . . . Re: [Chapter] The Final Steps - Christopher C. Tew - Sep 4, 2007

. . . . . . . . . . . . Re: [Chapter] The Final Steps - John Geigle - Sep 4, 2007

. . . . . . Re: [Chapter] The Final Steps - Andrew Herbert - Sep 3, 2007

. . . . . . . . . Re: [Chapter] The Final Steps - James Wechsler - Sep 4, 2007

. . . . . . Re: [Chapter] The Final Steps - Trenor Scott - Sep 10, 2007

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