Hi gang:

Well, As I progress with my M4A3 Sherman, I'm starting to wonder about my weathering techniques. I struggle between realistic weathering, and enhancment weathering (washes in the recesses/drybrushing the high points). I guess I've been doing a little of both. I still have alot more I want to do to this one including oil washes on the wood handles of the tools, attach the different hatches, and add the tracks.

How do you guys think it is looking so far? Does it need more contrast, or highlighting? Please give me your honest feedback, as I've spent alot of time on this one with PE (my first attempt at that too).



Thanks all,

John

First reaction was - wow. I like the overall look.
I would add more of the tan mud that you see on the front to the suspension and the drive wheels. They aren't as dirty or uniformly dirty as the front.

OMG what are you talking about?? That is one of the best weathering jobs I've seen. Get them tracks on there. Just doesn't looks right without them

Gotta agree -- looks great!

My strength is the build; my weakness is the finish. Wish I could get one to look like that!

I agree with the other guys - what the Heck are you waitin' fer?!? Slap those tracks on!

Your weathering is nice - it looks good to me too at this stage!

Gunnie

LOOKS GREAT!!! Not to heavy, yet not factory fresh either > It looks just fine. Maybe a
little more dirt on the rear bogies, but other than that, its good. Now put on those tracks, and the real fun begins.

WOW thats awesome ! I would whack a bit more dust/mud onto the suspension and bogie wheels, and maybe a bit on the sides of the hull, where it's flat. Apart from this, OMG the sherman is really great! #:-)

I guess you are doing exactly what most modellers are doing then.
When I started, dry brushing was a must to bring out detail, but now its less "trendy". Truth is, its still a good tool to pop the detail a bit, but done in moderation. The last few models Ive built, I base painted, washed and then dry brushed ..... then went about all the normal things... detail painting, gloss coating, weathering, dull coating and pastels. Theres just enough of the drybrusing showing through to exaggerate the detail but not enough to look unrealisic.

As the others have already said, i would get the tracks on now, and then give the whole bottom hull and running gear another light dusting. I think you´ve got a winner here. Really looks excellent!

Thanks for all the positive feedback guys! I really appreciate it.

Plasticbattle, I'm glad to see someone else has been in the inbetween scenario when it comes to the type of weathering to do. It sounds like you've come up with a winning formula.

I hope to have the tracks on soon. I'm using the AFV Club plastic individual links. They were relatively affordable compared to metal links. However, there is a bit of cleanup involved after you cut them off the sprue. There are also pin marks in each link. Perhaps next time I'll just bite the bullet and buy the metal ones.

Now my next problem is finding a tank crew for this. It took place in the Philippines, but it is hard to find a tank crew wearing the appropriate clothing for the climate. I checked Verlinden, Jaguar, Nemrod, and a couple others without any luck. Any suggestions?


Thanks again!


John

I must agree with Plasticbattle.

I have also been working on my M4A2 Sherman (haven't gotten to the stage you are at yet), and have been spending a sizable amount of time on 'accurizing' the build-up (ala Hollowpoint). But, when I do finally get to the weathering stage, I hope mine comes out half as good as yours!

Tread.

Oh, BTW......for someone who's site is called " Johann's Tigers", you build a pretty mean Sherman!! Maybe we'll get you to switch sides?? Maybe change the name to "Johann's Sherm's"........whadaya think? :-)

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. What's the tan/dust color on the front? Pastels? Paint? A combination? Something else?

Looks darn good to me ....Make sure you weather your tracks as well as the rest ...don't forget a little wear and tear around the hatches ..(can't see from the pictures ) but always looks good if done right... Good job John

Rick

it looks great... just get some more weathing on the front drive sprocets,
and its done u did a great job,

Your M4A3 Sherman looks perfect ! Just get some tracks on it, and you're good to go !

No need to fix a thing. Great work !!

Cheers !!

Alpen