So, a few updates. Nothing major. Catching up with comments, first. Apologies for the stream of consciousness format this time!
"The biggest difference between painting, weathering and detailing static models as opposed to RC is that RC stuff needs to turn, spin, elevate, roll, work, etc. So many times with heavy weathering IE, Mud/Snow it's best to do it in pieces. At the very least remove the tracks and maybe the wheels and sprockets. But there's no issue painting a tank when it's in one piece. Ya just gotta move the turret, barrel, wheels, tracks, etc. And yes ya need to mask stuff off, lights and IR emitters/sensors."
Seems like the only emitter I can see via visual inspection is the one in the gun tube, and the sensor would be the apple. I suppose I should mask off the antenna too? Very small on the Sherman, compared to the whip antenna on the wife's Challenger II.
"The Shermy guys can suggest paints and colors. All I see is green when I look at them...
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The thing about dye and pigment mixes is that they are never exact. Never. Once one batch of paint is done. You know that, of course. I just find it fascinating that every hobbyist seems to have their go- to for the best color in regards to US armor. I try to get it "right," but... I once asked my Uncle about the base color of Honved tanks, properly painted. I pointed to a few different colors, and he simply said, "Yes."
I think that alleviated some of my anxiety about painting at the time.
The paint scheme used by the 761st in the Ardennes is quite interesting. It's more or less the whitewash method, but in this case the coat seems to be markedly thinner than I've seen elsewhere. I suspect this is because it was applied in a hurry. When you deal with something like Russian or Finnish winter camouflage, you often see that the real stuff almost seems to have been applied with something with the texture of a sponge. I'm sure they used mops/brushes/brooms too, but the coat of winter camouflage seems somehow thicker. The whitewash on the 761st tanks is carefully spaced around most of the major markings, so you'll see the Allied star picked out surrounded by a halo of green that is sloppily bordered by white. I actually think the whole thing will be a lot of fun to paint. I've painted lots, and lots, probably too many, of winter tanks, and I've always enjoyed the process. Something about it being more accurate to do things less precisely;)
I properly tested the Sherman today, and the wife got her Challenger II running as well. I must say I'm pleased. She feels that both handle well, but that the Sherman, being a lighter model, seems to maneuver more easily. I would tend to agree. My only complaint, and it's something I'm sure can be modded when I've got more experience, is that the Sherman is awfully fast, as fast as the Challenger, which seems... wrong somehow. I know this is a common complaint, but it's an interesting thing to observe in action. Otherwise, they're great fun.
All seems to be working, anyhow. No problems with the components, thus far. One concern is that there seems to be a clicking sound as the turrets revolve. For her turret, it seems to make more of a noise when the turret is rotated to the right, viewed straight on. Mine makes a clicking noise irrespective of direction. These were both provided with 360 degree turrets, so maybe it has something to do with the modified servos?
(On an only distantly related note: I don't have FPV, though her tank does, and when she gets it up and running I'll try to give a report to you all elsewhere.)
My next step will be to start to crack it open, get a look at the electronics, and decide what needs to be pulled or masked prior to painting. What can be removed without the need for resoldering, what can simply be unplugged and plugged, etc. In the meanwhile, I've got stencils on order from Rad. He's done a few different designs for me, and very kindly worked with me to come up with something accurate and evocative.
I've selected the name "Hellfighter" for the vehicle, and because 105s had five crew, I've come up with names for all of them. There are pictures of 761st tanks with crew names stenciled approximately where the individuals in question would be seated or positioned within the tank, so I'm going to -try- to do that, but that might not be practical with so much whitewash. We shall see. "Julia" from the Bulge at least seems to have the names of her driver, her hull radioman/gunner, and her commanding NCO (a Corporal, though another tank names a Sergeant) stenciled in their respective positions, but the other two crewmen's names don't appear.
I'm also looking at the various mods I'd like to do to increase accuracy. I've thought about replacing some of the plastic pieces with metal options, and at the very least I'd like to give her a proper load of stowage and personal effects. There will also be a model inbound to represent Sgt. Brotherton or one of the other GI's, which will be nice. I'm not sure what to think of the stowage and crew that arrived from HL. The stowage is certainly far more extensive than I expected, but some of it seems to be "off" (which makes sense, it is a toy after all, albeit a very nice one.) It, further, seems to me that the tank commander model they've provided is somehow out of scale with the rest of the model, but in my defense the only other model in scale I have is the static Ultimate Soldier/Forces of Valor Panther, whose commander model is of slimmer proportions.
I'm open to your suggestions on realism mods and details, regardless. I don't claim to be an expert on the Sherman, and I look forward to learning more as time goes on!
I've no photos at present. All pedestrian stuff thus far, I'm afraid, but I will get some photos of the model as I start to (carefully) take it apart for modification.
Oooh, Oooohh, I wanna play,,, I'm a Chef 