The images below are of my already completed Tamiya M3 Grant. Pictures of the finished tank will be posted soon.

I used a number of aftermarket kits to supplement the 30 year-old moldings. They are:

- An Eduard PE set to replace the fenders & boxes + various straps & tiedows
- AFV club's individual track links. This track set is superb but will take you at
least a month to complete. Each track link is 3 pieces - 1 shoe/2 teeth
- Verlinden's pioneer tool set. The set contains enough parts to make 3
complete sets. One set can be found on the rear of my Grant
- An aftermarket turned aluminum barrel for the 75 mm gun.

This model was a 7 month process from start to finish. I scratchbuilt several items on the kit. Two that I'm most proud are:

1) The tow rope. It is completely original. I used two strands of 24 guage wire to get the effect. I know that its probably out of scale but it sure does look neat.
2) The rear stowage rack. I used left over StuG III PE parts to build it. Various
Jerry & ammo cans ride inside. I used balsa wood for the rack's bottom.

I also enjoy using metal tubing to supplement/replace the kit parts. I used tubing to replace the turret's cannon barrel.

The grey texture on the turret is Mr. Surfacer 500.

Again, pictures of the painted model will follow very soon.

Calahan

Looks good so far

I'd say you've done an excellent job there, so far it really looks the part.
Some innovative thinking too, well done.

I'd just say that your US jerry cans only have 2 struts in the handle instead of 3 and the german jerry cans are missing their caps. I guess you probably havn't finished them yet.

Good luck with the paint job!

James