Here are some updated pics of my sherman turret. I fixed the gap between the pistol hatch and added periscope guards. Still more work to be done. Tell me what you all think of my progress so far, add or take away any thing? Like I said Im still working on it so the .50 cal. and a few other things are still not added yet.

Grrrrrrrr, I do not like webshots.com, but msn photos no longer will host your pics for free
So here is the link to the pics:
http://community.webshots.com/user/dio123

Click on "Sherman"

Matrix:

You have the right idea, but I think you need to find some finer wire for making those periscope guards. Try to find some fine craft wire -- they sell spools of it in the jewelry sections of craft stores. Copper or aluminum wire is good for this sort of thing -- easy to cut and bend, but stiff enough to hold its shape.

You can also use it to replace the handle on the hatch -- shave off the molded on handle, drill a couple holes where the ends are and glue in your replacement handle.

I'm not really sure why you replaced the lift rings to begin with (lose one or two of the kit parts?), but that paperclip wire is about the right size -- but really too big for much else. Paperclip wire must scale out to about 1-2 scale inches thick, depending on the wire. Look for wire about 1/4-1/2 inches scale inches thick -- thinner than a 1/35th scale figure's finger.

You are on the right track -- keep going!

Bummer, I thought the periscop guards would be that thick, hard to tell from the reference photo. Oh well, I will remove them, epoxy the holes and start over. One question, how small of a drill bit will I need for that small of wire?? Smaller than a 1:35 scale figure's finger is VERY small. Do I need to add that last so dont smash it on accident?

Matrix sir, you can click here , scroll down about 3/4 to see my periscope guards that were fashioned from 26 guage brass wire.
You do not need to drill into the turret nor the hatch for the guards to be attached.
Hope this helps a bit.

Kencelot, Thanks for the info. Im glad to see I dont need a drill bit that size.

Roger what Ken said. You do not need to buy a drill to put in most of these details. Even the hatch handle -- simply make a couple dimples with the tip of a #11 Exacto (use a new blade), and glue into the dimples.

When you can get one, Exacto makes a round drill set with a clear dome cover. I don't remember what it costs, but it's not much and it is very useful. find a drill that is the same size or is a little bigger than the wire your want to install -- and go nuts!