Here's the IWM pic Bob. Points to note:

1. Extensive burn,
2. both hatch halves are present,
3. too dark to see if there's a hitch -- but I would think given the angle of the light and the shadow from the rear bulkhead, if one were present, it would be jutting out into the light.
4. driver's hatch is intact
5. I think there was a jerry can rack on the rear left corner
6. Note the extra kink in the forwardmost sand shield. DML's PE is incorrect here.
7. Odd stowage on left sand shield framework: a wooden barrel and some sort of flimsy box?
8. what is that debris item on the engine deck?
9. Note that the cancelled out circle over the "66" and the white/yellow "D" -- but obviously not applied by the Scots Greys if this is Cocky before its recovery and reassignment to the Scots Greys. I contend it was a battlefield mark for the REME crews. Am I off base?

Making good time on this one Bob, looking forward to the next installment.

Thanks Bill,
Seems like I have to double check myself every step just to cover all possibilities.
I'm probably just over thinking it.
Never realized how much time it ads to the build when you have to continually stop to take photos and write notes.
I think I like reviewing books better but no more novels
Thanks again,
Bob

Very true...but don't overthink it too much. After all it's your blog, so the amount of information and detail you provide is totally under your control/discretion. If it starts to be more work than fun you've gone too far.

I fall into that group! What a great build, Bob, I'm not one for Shermans (yet!) but have this one bookmarked for future reference. Tons of info here, thanks

Hey Bob
First I have seen of your blog. A great in-depth step by step mate. I have yet to build a British M4 Sherman but am tempted by the batch of newcomers...
Nice work on the front sandshield replacement!
One major thing I noticed is that you have installed one of the comander's hatches in upside down. The one without the periscope should have the 'small lever side' face down into the turret. I reckon the base of the .50cal barrel clamp on the hatch ring should be blended in to replicate it as being two arms welded straight to the ring, not as having a chunk removed as per the model.
Hope those decals settle!
Brad

Hoo boy, that is finicky! Tough to do with the decal over the grilles... I reckon you are lookin' good with the setting solution, and it is on the improve for sure...
Good stuff!
Brad

Looking very good and this one of the most difficult decal jobs going. Multiple applications of solution and slicing with razor / scalpel blades is the only way.
Al

3rd wash completed, I had better stop to let it all dry completely.



Thanks for looking,
Bob

Bob,

Coming along nicely! Interesting approach to addd decals first and then the camo. I suppose you have a steady hand...

Keep going!
Cheers!
Stef

Nice lookin Shermy Bob. I reckon a dark wash over the large grill on the back deck would help with the roundel decal. I'm impressed with how well it conformed to all that surface detail.

Matt

Thanks Matt and Stef for taking the time to comment.

Stef, I'm an old fart, I actually have to prop up and clamp the model in place and brace my hands against something to cut down on the shaking. Just about everything I paint I have to go back to do touchups.
Matt, you are looking at the 6th application of a product called MicroSol. It’s great at forming down decals as you can see but I still need to do it a couple of more times in a couple of spots.
Thanks again Guys,
Bob