It's raining outside. Can't paint my Stug and so other many models. To keep the production lines open, I've started on DML's M4A2 Tarawa kit. Instead of being OOB, this model will have it's shares of modification. This time I'll be doing a damaged tank

After three hours of work, here she is:

All major parts have been placed with, smaller parts to be added next.


I wonder if I could use these British style tracks on a Tarawa Sherman? I don't need the entire link to make a damage Sherman.

Are there other pitfalls on this kit?

Could anyone supply me photos of tank crew uniform used in the Pacific?

The "British" style tracks are actually T62 tracks most commonly fitted to Chrysler made M4A4s. (They are sometimes mistakenly called "British" because the Brits used the M4A4s the most). While I wouldn't say it never happened, I don't recall seeing any M4A2s with T62s.

HTH

Here's some update on the tank




Both the transmission and turret received casting texture from Mr. Surfacer. I really liked the PE fenders. They're really not that hard to form.

The moulded on engine deck handles will later be replaced with wire.

I can't find good walkarounds of M4A2 on the web. I was wondering how those racks were fitted on the rear of the tank such as this one and so with the onboard tools.

As far as I can make out the rack was welded dorectly to the hull.

For Marine Tank crew uniforms they wore the same uniforms as other marines.

One thing: The lifting lugs on the engine deck should be perpendicular to the horizontal axis and not to the angle of the deck itself. Maybe straighten them up?

You can see them on this M4A3 75d from toadmans site:

Made some progress and it's almost done.



I've added the four bolts on the skid. Took me some time, but the detail is worth it.


I've also drilled out four bolt holes for the bogie mounts. It kinda look big to me. What do you think?


And a little touch of imagination (and I knew they've also used this) is the addition of the fuel rack on the rear.


These will be filled up with jerry cans and such.

Another thing:

From those photos with hatches opened, which would be correct? The first pic is bent at an angle and the second one looks vertically straight.

The commander's hatches usually splayed outwards and had a lock to keep them in place. Otherwise it would be dangerous in that they could fall and strike a head or hand. Cuddles is an unusual photo there.

As for the holes on your bogie, they seem too big, personally. Look here
http://www.toadmanstankpictures.com/m4a1e9_13.jpg