1944 M4A3 105mm

[HERMAN BIX]

Its like a mountain style LRDG vehicle !! Dont tell me thats your Mr Alpha !....?

[PainlessWolf]

70th Day: A lot of good things got done today so let me get right into it. I started out with adding some small bits of detail. The shovel mount on the rear deck was made of angle strut and a small flat piece of plastistruct cut to match and the whole thing glued into place. I made up the cap for the smoke mortar from the top of a push pin and a 1/35 bolt off of a Tiger 1 shackle. It is removable but I did not add any chain right now. Next, I painted the backs of the packs from the night before then the lower hull idler details were glued into place. Lastly, detail-wise, I drilled out the speaker grill for the horn\siren on the bow using a #55 and the yankee drill. I had to run out to a Birthday dinner for a friend then for a couple of hours. When I returned, I sat down to do my version of the Mr. Surfacer 500 on the cast parts of the tank. I sprayed a good bit of the plasticoat type automotive primer I had tested previously into a small cup and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then using a soft brush, I painted the transmission cover and turret with the primer, going section by section. While it was still soft, I came along with a stiff bristle brush and stippled the surface. Taking a break, I let that dry for a couple of hours. Returning to it and finding it all dry to the touch, I looked it over and was pleased with the patterning. I got out the Tamiya primer then and went to town and put a couple of coats of it all over the tank. I cannot say enough good things about Tamiya's primer. It dries fast and you would really have to try to get it to run. I am really pleased with how this Sherman is turning out. Tomorrow, I'll try my hand at shadowing then get some O.D. on it. Pics:

[PainlessWolf]

70th Day cont.:

[cupoftea]

Nice, really nice. i agree with you about Tamiya primer - it is so easy to apply and gives a great finish to spray on.

[ALPHA]

Its like a mountain style LRDG vehicle !! Dont tell me thats your Mr Alpha !....?

No Herman that's not mine... the stowage on that version of the Beverly Hillbilly mobile is cool though... check out the oil lamp copper pan and the rocking chair ...imagine having that on a tank

ALPHA

[ALPHA]

Looking good Painless... I see you got some really nice fine texture on the turret and gun shield ....Crazy Joe might be tempted to steal this baby away from the proposed commander

ALPHA

[PainlessWolf]

71st Day: Thanks, Alpha. Crazy Joe's turn is coming. I am pleased that my cheap attempt at Mr Surfacer 500 worked out so well. Today was a paint day. I started by doing some shadow work, outlining the panels and seams with a thick black line. A hour later, the first coat of Model Masters Olive Drab turned out really well. While that dried, I took the opportunity to detail the T74 tracks. I used rust and thinner in a 50\50 mix and they came out nicely. A second coat of the O.D. finished out the work today. Further detailing and the pin wash will be done by brush. Pics:

[palepainter]

Looks like you had a peaceful day of progress, Painless. Congrats!!

[PainlessWolf]

Good Evening,
Thanks, Doc. ;o) I'm only a couple of good nights away from being done. Paint detailing, stowage and markings. I hope folks enjoyed following along on the build. I enjoyed the commentary and compliments and learned along the way.
regards,
Painless

[ALPHA]

Hey there Painless.... Nice hat!

I know you know that I know that your SHERMAN is above board...you've crossed your T's and dotted every I on this one ...and really showed what a Sherman build should be all about ...this thread is really something... something others can visit at any time to gain inspiration

You are to be applauded Sir

So I don't really have to say how Outstanding your tank has turned out

So with that said... Once again.... NIce Hat!

ALPHA