bigjohn
Reviews member
Member since: December 2011
John Hale
Posts: 3,438
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
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Post by bigjohn on Jan 4, 2014 20:47:57 GMT -5
This is a project I have going on over at my Sherman Shop forum. It’s part of a Tamiya Sherman group build that is currently active. I’ll be building the Ford built M4A3 Dry storage Sherman. The base kit is the Tamiya M4 with numerous parts from the spare parts box. The Tamiya M4 kit has the wrong front plate configuration for an M4, but it does have the correct configuration for an M4A4, which is very close to the M4A3 dry. The big deference is the shape of the radio pot. The engine deck panels and rear plate were cut out of a spare Tamiya M4A3 hull. The forward plate was cleaned off of the late style filler cap and splash guard. I will rework the plate to the Ford configuration. And this is where I am currently at. The early Differential is a Tasca spare. I wanted to get most of the major parts fitted before I do much finish work. There is a lot more filling and clean up work ahead, but here are some pictures of how it all fits together.
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bigjohn
Reviews member
Member since: December 2011
John Hale
Posts: 3,438
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
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Post by bigjohn on Jan 4, 2014 20:48:34 GMT -5
I’ve been busy working on the rear features of the M4A3. I have rounded the transition piece from the rear plate to the bottom plate, made new ford style tow lugs, and boxed in the rear overhang, along with making some filler panels for the sponsons. The exhaust deflector came from a dragon M4A3 kit. The next couple of pictures show the Tasca transmission cover and Tasca fenders fitted. Plus the large gaps that had to be filled around the sides of the final drive. Now I have a LOT of filling and sanding to be done. Once I get all that work done I should be ready to start refining weld beads.
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Post by Leon on Jan 4, 2014 21:53:51 GMT -5
BJ that is looking really good.Very nice work on the surgery and corrections.
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Post by deafpanzer on Jan 4, 2014 22:08:21 GMT -5
DAMN! Superb work on the rear. Is that what you were planning to use the aftermarket wheel sets I gave you?
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bigjohn
Reviews member
Member since: December 2011
John Hale
Posts: 3,438
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
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Post by bigjohn on Jan 4, 2014 23:35:44 GMT -5
Thanks Leon and Andy! Andy, I'm not sure yet, I was looking at that suspension set tonight. LOTSSSSSSSSSSSSSS of clean up
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Post by deafpanzer on Jan 4, 2014 23:39:48 GMT -5
No worries! It was only $5 when I bought it... the seller probably thought the same. LOL
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bigjohn
Reviews member
Member since: December 2011
John Hale
Posts: 3,438
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
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Post by bigjohn on Jan 5, 2014 0:17:33 GMT -5
No worries! It was only $5 when I bought it... the seller probably thought the same. LOL I'll use it one day, But maybe not on this one,
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Post by dupes on Jan 5, 2014 0:20:08 GMT -5
So if you build that Tamiya M4 Sherman (Early) out of the box, what are you actually getting? Can you call it an M4 Sherman (Early)?
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bigjohn
Reviews member
Member since: December 2011
John Hale
Posts: 3,438
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
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Post by bigjohn on Jan 5, 2014 0:26:50 GMT -5
Hey Dupes, If you build it out of the box, you get and M4 with an inaccurate front glacis plate. If you want it more accurate, fill in the weld bead trenches, and redo the weld bead pattern correct for an M4. That or just pile the front full of sandbags and stowage.
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Post by dupes on Jan 5, 2014 0:28:40 GMT -5
Hahahaha...sandbags and stowage it is!
Is the rest of the kit (mostly) accurate?
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bigjohn
Reviews member
Member since: December 2011
John Hale
Posts: 3,438
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
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Post by bigjohn on Jan 5, 2014 4:58:11 GMT -5
Hahahaha...sandbags and stowage it is! Is the rest of the kit (mostly) accurate? The other main issue is the kit has the upswept return roller brackets on the bogies when it should have straight return roller brackets. I’ll be using a set of Dragon bogies on this one. But it’s really not worth worrying about unless you HAVE to have it correct.
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Post by wbill76 on Jan 5, 2014 12:24:04 GMT -5
BJ building a Sherman? Wonders never cease... Off to a great start on this one sir, looking forward to more on it.
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Post by 406 Silverado on Jan 5, 2014 12:38:18 GMT -5
Looking good BJ, and some nice helpful info to go with the build.
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bigjohn
Reviews member
Member since: December 2011
John Hale
Posts: 3,438
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
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Post by bigjohn on Jan 6, 2014 5:31:48 GMT -5
Thanks Bill and Rob! Still a lot of work ahead of me, This isn't a Tasca kit, but it sure is fun with all the modifications
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bigjohn
Reviews member
Member since: December 2011
John Hale
Posts: 3,438
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
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Post by bigjohn on Jan 6, 2014 5:40:51 GMT -5
One thing I had to redo. After going back over some reference material. I discovered that towing pintles where not fitted to Ford built tanks, so off it came..
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Post by Tobi on Jan 6, 2014 6:38:27 GMT -5
Chapeau! Great work John. Shermanology is a science of it's own.
Whenever I'll do one from my stash, I hope I'm not including too many mistakes. Bought the book "Son of Sherman" for backup...
Cheers, Tobi
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Post by 406 Silverado on Jan 6, 2014 9:27:51 GMT -5
Love the new weld beads BJ..
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Deleted
Member since: January 1970
Posts: 0
Sept 20, 2024 6:48:56 GMT -5
Sept 20, 2024 6:48:56 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2014 15:19:54 GMT -5
cool stuff mate, watching with interest
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Post by bullardino on Jan 6, 2014 16:43:33 GMT -5
A Sherman? Done by You? And it's even a conversion? How can I miss it? The start is a true piece of art, John
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Post by rbaer on Jan 6, 2014 16:52:56 GMT -5
I like Shermans, I like 'em a LOT. I'm really likin' the work here. I had no idea there were so many differences in different manufacturers' tanks. I put something similar together a while ago using the MP upper hull and mostly Tamiya parts, but I'm sure it's full of detail errors. I plan to watch this closely, maybe follow along since it's policy in my house to have a Sherman in progress at all times. I have everything floating around except the Tasca trans cover, but I bet there's one in one of the Dragon parts kits I have.....
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bigjohn
Reviews member
Member since: December 2011
John Hale
Posts: 3,438
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
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Post by bigjohn on Jan 6, 2014 20:47:55 GMT -5
Thanks fellas, I really appreciate you all having a look and thanks for the nice coments. Tobi, Yeah, cant go wrong with The Son of Sherman book. Lots of stuff to cross reference in there! Thanks Rob! I believe you are referring to the ones I posted on Face Book. Pete, Glad to have you along mate! Luigi, Thank you my friend, I always know you’ll be following one of my shermans. Rbaer, Yep, there are subtle variations between manufactures, and then sometimes, you can even break that down further and isolate what month and year it was produced. I highly recommend the Son of Sherman book! And yes, a Dragon trans cover will work as well, You’ll want the early cast housing for this build. Dicky, Glad your enjoying it Mate, Its nice to have the master of scratch digging my scratch work. Does that sound funny? At any rate, here is a picture of the new weld beads I have been working on. Filling in all those recessed weld beads that Tamiya molded on.
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Post by wbill76 on Jan 6, 2014 21:29:05 GMT -5
Putty welds...second only to road wheels in terms of things that must be endured when you love a particular subject eh BJ? Nice progress as usual here on this one.
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Post by Leon on Jan 6, 2014 22:59:22 GMT -5
Nice rework on the weld beads BJ.
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Post by deafpanzer on Jan 7, 2014 0:21:49 GMT -5
Great work on the weld belds... putty or thin styrene rod?
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bigjohn
Reviews member
Member since: December 2011
John Hale
Posts: 3,438
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
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Post by bigjohn on Jan 7, 2014 7:26:43 GMT -5
Thank you fellas! The weld beads are rod Andy.
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Post by rbaer on Jan 7, 2014 11:07:14 GMT -5
Question on the antenna pot: Are you using one from another hull, or a resin replacement, or something else entirely? I cut one down on a largely OOB build a while ago, then added the weld. Seems like it was less effort then replacing the whole thing..... I have a pic, whaddya think? Is it still too big/flat? This one is built as a straight M4. Not intended as a hijack, just curious, cause I might want to do it the same way again.
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bigjohn
Reviews member
Member since: December 2011
John Hale
Posts: 3,438
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
Dec 21, 2011 2:17:45 GMT -5
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Post by bigjohn on Jan 7, 2014 21:26:03 GMT -5
Question on the antenna pot: Are you using one from another hull, or a resin replacement, or something else entirely? I cut one down on a largely OOB build a while ago, then added the weld. Seems like it was less effort then replacing the whole thing..... I have a pic, whaddya think? Is it still too big/flat? This one is built as a straight M4. Not intended as a hijack, just curious, cause I might want to do it the same way again. My plan is to use one of these, www.shapeways.com/model/1375249/1-35-m4a3-early-radio-brackets.html?li=shortUrlI still have to order it yet. I played around with scratch building my own, made good progress and was liking my results, but the diamiter of tube I was using was to small. I think you did an excellent job on the one you modified, it looks great! If it works for you, stick with it.
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Post by bullardino on Jan 8, 2014 5:32:52 GMT -5
Oh, my, you made me want another thing... I need those Son of Sherman books, gotta get the first one at least.
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Post by TRM on Jan 8, 2014 5:43:24 GMT -5
Fantastic job moving forward on this BJ!! Keep it coming!!
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Post by wouter on Jan 12, 2014 3:40:01 GMT -5
Hi BJ, that's some great modelling you're showing there mate, lovely filling/adjusting/scratching/welding!
btw, what stands the 'Dry' for?
Cheers
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