M3 (mostly Heng Long)

[greengiant]

The pic looks like it was taken in an area were tanks were towed in for repair and are waiting to be fixed (notice that the one almost out of frame also has sagging track visible). Shermans in use in all the pics I've seen have the correct track tension as the ones in the pics would surely threw the sagging tracks if the tank was driven in anything more than a straight line very slowly on flat ground.

[43rdRecceReg]

From what I can see,that tank had lately barbecued its occupants. The rubber has burned off the roadwheels, indicating an intense blaze, and that's why the tracks are so slack, I'd guess. Also looks like it's been hit up the back end with something nasty.....something that brewed the engine and petrol tank up; then the crew

[RobW]

Done some more work since the GLAD meet. Track shortened & trimmed the lower hull. Still need to finish the rear bulkhead, remove the exhausts & then add panels & mudguards to the upper hull.

Couple of issues - what else would hold the tow cable down (it's drilled so the ends are fixed), and does anyone do smaller towing shackles?

[Afrikakorps]

Looking good Rob.
I had similar track and suspension problems too.
Cheers
AK

still a work in progress

[RobW]

Very neat.

[RobW]

Battery tray out to stop me turning her over when changing batteries. Room cleared as dremmel plus ABS isn't nice (you could have warned me Frank.. )! Will take a pic when I get the bulkhead & bracing in.

[RobW]

Turret is the third darkest of the Vallejo 4BO paints with Dark Green stain; transmission cover adds olive stain. Think I prefer the latter, so onto the rest of the tank!

Any pointers for painting in the viewing slits? Thinking black before the wash, but not sure.

[RobW]

Mostly finished, just some tools plus slogans & unit markings to do. Quick trial run was successful, and no sudden turns due to the return rollers catching.

[RobW]

Things I'd change for next(!) time....

Metal axles for the return rollers. Potentially I'd also print a frame rather than make each unit separately. This should mean I can use smaller diameter return rollers too so less chopped out of the bogey.
Learn to airbrush....! Particularly the varnish as it's slightly flattened the effect of the wash.
Take the main gun out first - made painting so much easier once I'd done that.

[c.rainford73]

Things I'd change for next(!) time....

Metal axles for the return rollers. Potentially I'd also print a frame rather than make each unit separately. This should mean I can use smaller diameter return rollers too so less chopped out of the bogey.
Learn to airbrush....! Particularly the varnish as it's slightly flattened the effect of the wash.
Take the main gun out first - made painting so much easier once I'd done that.

Rob you did an awesome job with this one! Purchase a good airbrush and some airbrush thinner and some practice on a blank paper and then move onto a scale model. It's quite addictive once you start.