1944 M4A3 105mm

[scalawag]

Axel's is ok.

I have never had a problem with an order from them. Sometimes a bit slow but really ok. They often have Schumo stuff that is out of stock elsewhere.

[PainlessWolf]

Good Morning,
You are entirely correct, Scalawag. Axel's has saved my butt a couple of times when I needed something I could not locate elsewhere. American shops are starting to pick up on Taigen tanks and parts now (which benefit all of us Heng Long runners as well) so hopefully some of them will rediscover Schumo kits and the like soon too.
regards,
Painless

[cupoftea]

This is a great build. Very interesting.

[PainlessWolf]

Good Afternoon,
Cupoftea, it's good to hear from you. ;o) Any news on the parts for your Sherman build yet or are you working on the Tiger still? I'm getting to point where if I cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel yet on this build, I can at least mark out the steps needed to see completion. I've got a line on an armored cover for the one periscope on the turret that GreenGiant mentioned as well as hatch periscopes on their way to me via a friend's kindnesses. I'm excited about this one as once finished, I don't think I'll ever do this level of detail on a Sherman again. Phil and CH and Frynsdad make their builds totally authentic without rivet counting. I should be able to do the same.
regards,
Painless

[cupoftea]

Hi Painless

I hope to be getting out of the house this week and so should be able to get the paint and some filler for the Sherman build (I have a medical condition that means I am mostly housebound).

Your sherman build is impressive. It is going to be a great model.

[PainlessWolf]

CoT,
That's good to hear. I feel trapped indoors at times especially when the ol' tinittus is flaring up and \or the weather is insane like it is this week. I need a new flat file and have been wanting some fiber optic pieces for a while to finish the bow machine gun. I was laughing when I read up there what I wrote about not doing a Sherman to this level of detail again. I believe that I said the exact same thing about my last build, a Panther G. Jeff1101 inspired me to go as far as I did then. He is _still_ working on his Panther G and finds some new thing to tweak on an almost daily basis. His level of patience is inspiring. I guess I am Ok. I know I'll be saying that same thing about the KV-2 build I've got coming up next and the Tiger 1 after that. Good luck on getting out and about, CoT. I know I'm looking forward to seeing more of the great work that you are doing on your Sherman.
regards,
Painless

[PainlessWolf]

38th Day: First off, finished up the Mantlet canvas cover clasps. With them completed, the rest of the turret is sugar. I drilled out the Mantlet .30 cal just for fun. Briefly considered lighting it with the LED on the other side of the Mantlet then decided not to push my luck. If I get the Searchlight to light up with the headlights, I'll consider it golden. I'm awaiting some periscope parts, kindly sent so will set the turret aside for now. It is 98% complete as it sits. Pictures:

[palepainter]

Coming along nicely!!!

[jeff1101]

Nicely done Painless. I see the canvas clasps are nicely aligned and evenly spaced. (Add on parts alignment have always been a difficulty for me at this scale )

I surmise the clasps is for the canvas that wraps around the mantlet so that rainwater doesn't get inside the turret and mantlet junction?

[cannedheat]

painless old chap
I think that your skill is above and beyond ,that turret is something ,keep at it old chap and if I may, keep it showroom condition when done ?
also the Sherman in the background?.......