Next Up-Korea USMC M4A3 105 dozer

[Deleted]

I just started this as my next build so I thought I'd post in progress pics.



Here's this mornings progress. Doesn't look like much yet, but the foundation is laid.





G

[Leon]

Nice start G.Count me in.

[wbill76]

Got to start somewhere G! Will follow this one with interest.

[bigjohn]

Always nice to see you build a Sherman G, You know i'll be following!

[Deleted]

Here's where we sit as of this morning. I concentrated on the turret as I like to get the details as correct as I can. This is my first Academy kit and they got most of the of it right, but I did use some of my inexhaustable supply od DML spares. Some of the Academy details seem a bit large and clunky but accurate in profile.  I went and replaced the spotlight and MG supports arms with DML parts.







I added the mantlet cover mounts from bits of .010 x .040 strip. This is a prominent feature on post WWII M4 105's.

Speaking of which I got involved and put this build in the wrong section. Any you Mods want to move this to Post WWII for me?

G

[bbd468]

OH YEAH! Im all in G.! Looks great so far fella!

[rbaer]

Likin' it. I've been tempted by this kit for a while, seems like it's getting more in my budget as time goes by.

[Deleted]

Pull up a seat Gary ..........and hang on! LOL

Russ, it's a good solid kit, some of which shows it's age. Right now it's the only real plastic option for a dozer Sherman. I'd buy another in a heart beat for the blade assembly alone.

Question for the masses, who makes a good after market set of T80 tracks? Anybody got any DML DS tracks they don't want?

G

[rbaer]

I have a set of DS T80 tracks.....
Got any left-over M50 parts? Spare road wheels, maybe, or spare track holders.......

[Deleted]

Sweet! Let me look and get back with you.

G

[Leon]

Nice progress there G.I'm liking this.

[bigjohn]

Great progress G, That cast texture looks sweet brother!

[wbill76]

Off to a great start in the details department G! Your wish has been granted and the post relocated accordingly.

[deafpanzer]

Catching up here... count me in!

[dupes]

Neat! Don't see the Academy Shermies get built up nearly as much as DML (and now Tasca)...seem pretty solid to me, though.

*Think AFV Club does T80 workable tracks as well.

[Deleted]

Bad week here in Sin City. Me and MrsG have the flu bug, so not a lot was accomplished. Russ I'm still looking I'll send you a PM Saturday night.

Right, here's another scratchbuilt item I found I needed. It's a rack welded to the side made to hold the cleaning rods and a rammer for the 105mm howitzer.

Here's what she looks like on the real tank:

the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/manufacturer/m4_105mm/m4_105mm.html

Scroll down about 3/4ths the way and check out the rack.

Here's my rack made from styrene.







G

[Leon]

Nice work G.Hope you and the misses feel better soon.

[deafpanzer]

Ouch, hope you both feel much better by now. I thought there are no bugs in the desert? Nice start on your little tank by the way!

[multicam]

Just checked this out! Very cool. Great work on the turret. The casting marks and additional mantlet cover mounts look great and will make a big difference under paint:). That link page is an awesome rescource too for you Sherman nuts! Great job on recreating the rack:)

[Deleted]

Leon, Andy-Thanks for the concern. The flu, work and now my nephew coming to town has really kicked my azz. I even blew off a day trip to Phoenix yesterday for a model car show. Andy the desert bugs are way more resilient! I am scheduled to rotate to night watch starting Tuesday evening. In a way I am very happy as this gives me more bench time plus I might even see the Mrs again!

Nate when I found that site by accident I was overjoyed! Thanks for the comments!

Despite the fates conspiring to delay or railroad this, I have managed to accomplish some tasks.









Lots of DML parts, .020 rod for the MG cover rail, more .010 x .040 strip for the mounts on the mantlet.

G

[wbill76]

Nice to see you aren't easily knocked out of the ring by a little bug G. Some great detail work in progress here.

[Leon]

Nice progress indeed G.Looking good.

[TRM]

Great bit of work there G!! Loving all the added details, she is coming along nicely!!!

[bullardino]

This one looks gorgeous. Dunno how, but I had missed. If you don't mind I'll follow very interested

[ironhand6]

Great looking m4 G. could you give me a quick overview on how you make such realistic texture for your cast pcs? thanks

[Deleted]

Thankyou Gentlemen, Gentlemen Thankyou!

Clint the secret is never throwing anything away.LOL!

I have a flat brush, long ago worn out, that I cut the bristles short. I have a jar of Mr Surfacer 500 that is at least 5 years old. I occasionally add some lacquer thinner to the mess to keep it workable.

I dab the brush in the MS500 and jab away at the surface. There's a sweet spot in time where the MS500 is just about to flash that I can get that great detail. If I screw it up, which is often, I use a bit of lacquer thinner to "re-do" the area.

I let that dry for a day, then gently sand the surface. That gives the texture a "flat" face like a mold would create.

G

[rbaer]

Lookin' sharp, G.

[multicam]

Nice additions, G. This is really coming together nicely:)

[bbd468]

Comin along real nice brother G.! Love the 105mm Shermans and with tha dozer blade.....man, thats a sexy piece of armor!

Gary

[guderian]

Great work on that Sherman