Hi there
I am currently working on the Tamiya M4A3(75)W [the fronline breakthrough kit]
Had some bits and bobs left over from an Aber Sherman detail set, which I thought I'd spruce the turret up with... Also a Formations spotlight and stand... Hard to see but there are PE foundry numbers on the mantlet also...



Made the loader's hatch springs and periscope guard from scratch (fuse wire) Used the DML loader's hatch which seemed better to detail... Carefully removed the moulded springs, and drilled out the hinge and lock nuts on the hatch to receive wire for hooks and rods.
Felt a bit of a masochist for silly little details like this, but the moulded springs annoyed me terribly


Cheers
Brad

The springs and all the detail work look terrific Brad.




That's how it starts a blurry detail annoys you so you replace it then pretty soon you're considering sandcasting your own 1/35 M4A1 Hulls in bronze for a realistic look Where does the madness end

Thanks Pat




hehe nevahh
Why I hold your undivided attention, could you help a pal with a transmission cover question? The kit supplied part has been roughed up a little with Mr. Surfacer as per my turret here, but having built M4s and M4A1(75)s for quite some time, I'm not sure of the type for the earliest of the wet version M4A3s. Should they be the same as the kit one, ('sharp nosed') but with foundry markings added to the centre underside? Have been used to adding markings below the bolt attachment strip (on the bow .30cal side) as per the M4s and M4A1(75)s...

Wouldn't you know it? I actually gave my Modeler's Guide to The Sherman away last week to a Sherman novice and I'm fairly sure the answer is in there. If I were to hazard a guess I would say you are right in thinking that it should be


I am open to correction on this though

Thanks Pat. Speaking of which, would you know of any photo reference of the actual foundry alpha/numerics used on the underside so I could recreate them?
Cheers
Brad

This was in my M4A3 file but I don't remember where I got it

there's a lot of info over on the Sherman register about foundry symbols

http://web.inter.nl.net/users/spoelstra/g104/foundry.htm