Academy Desert Storm M551 Finished

[DeskJockey]

I finished Academy's Desert Storm M551 Sheridan a week or so ago and finally got around to taking pictures. The kit is mostly OOB (correcting its many flaws, after all, would be a Herculean task), although I did use the Friul tracks and some extra stowage from Tamiya. This was my first time using Friul tracks and, although they are tedious to assemble, I think they work well to depict the original's sag. I painted the model with Vallejo Air and used Vallejo's acrylic washes. I weathered with a variety of AK and AMMO products and MIG pigments. In general, I used this kit as a test bed for new techniques. Let me know what you think.

















Sorry about my pictures--I'm a lousy photographer.

[thechaos]

I think it looks good, the Tank have a nice finish.

[Leon]

Nice finish on the Sheriden DJ! Looks great in the desert paint.

[dupes]

I like it a lot! One of those kits that you rarely see built up. Nice job!

[wbill76]

I'd say your tests with the new techniques were a success! Very nice work all around on this one.

[DeskJockey]

Thanks, guys!

[deafpanzer]

Great finish... you did great!

[M1Carbine]

Outstanding build DJ, and awesome pics buddy.

Bob

[DeskJockey]

Thanks--the kit has a lot of shape issues, unfortunately, but it still looks like a Sheridan (kinda...) and is the best one available.

[rbaer]

I think it looks great, well-finished, and who can really tell about the shape, without something to compare to...
There was a guy over on the Big A that was re-working an Academy hull and using the Tamiya turret, trying to get something more accurate, but he hasn't updated in quite a while.

[sturmbird]

May 18, 2015 14:01:54 GMT -5 rbaer said:

I think it looks great, well-finished, and who can really tell about the shape, without something to compare to...
There was a guy over on the Big A that was re-working an Academy hull and using the Tamiya turret, trying to get something more accurate, but he hasn't updated in quite a while.

I have a resin hull top in my stash along with a turret. Who made it? No idea, but it looks near perfect when compared to drawings. Wish I had two more! I never thought the Tamiya turret was altogether right, but also felt the same with the Academy. Anyway someday I'll either do "Rebel" or the original "Body Count" out of B Troop 1st of the 1st. The Sheridan tank would be a great subject for Meng to tackle, as I know they'd get it right.

Lastly, contrary to popular belief the Sheridan's best round was it's beehive (often refered to as canister). One has never seen anything as serious as a Sheridan unloading a can round at a target two hundred yards. Consider your day ruined!
gary

[sturmbird]

May 9, 2015 14:32:43 GMT -5 DeskJockey said:

I finished Academy's Desert Storm M551 Sheridan a week or so ago and finally got around to taking pictures. The kit is mostly OOB (correcting its many flaws, after all, would be a Herculean task), although I did use the Friul tracks and some extra stowage from Tamiya. This was my first time using Friul tracks and, although they are tedious to assemble, I think they work well to depict the original's sag. I painted the model with Vallejo Air and used Vallejo's acrylic washes. I weathered with a variety of AK and AMMO products and MIG pigments. In general, I used this kit as a test bed for new techniques. Let me know what you think.

















Sorry about my pictures--I'm a lousy photographer.

forgot to tell that I seriously like your Sheridan! And by the way it does look just like a Sheridan.
gary

[DeskJockey]

Thanks, guys!

[Deleted]

I think you did a great job. Not being technically familiar with the Sheridan, I would never have an idea something was wrong with the kit. Your decision to use Fruils on this is a homerun. The visual effect of the track sag would not be as good with any other tracks. Nice work!