That is amazing, beautiful Job!

Thanks guys, The tank is now 98% complete,



I completed the tank's 50.cal MG. For the 50.cal I again used the Dragon M2HB 50.cal plastic kit. I did the same modifications to the kit that I did when I built the 50.cal for my last M4 Sherman.





These mods would include adding a compression spring to the charging handle,









Removing the molded in nubs on the feed tray with a wire brad. (the molded in nubs are not adequate in securing the feed tray to the gun's receiver.











and the wrench slits added to the barrel.







Unlike the Sherman I will use the tank's tripod. The tripod will be stowed inside the tank's fender boxes.

The Gun was painted / weathered and mounted to the cradle. On the gun's handles I wanted them black to replicate the black Bakelite that was used on weapon grips of the time.



















As I stated on my M4 Sherman post the 50.cal kit gives you an ammo belt length that is made out of non flexible plastic. The belt was not used so currently I don't have any ammo for my gun. Once I find a DID ammo belt. I can add it to the ammo tray with tracers.



In addition to the 50.cal detailing I also added the tank's fuel and fluid caps, with lock pin and retention chains. The caps themselves are fabricated out of turned Aluminum.







Retention chains were also added to the tank's tow hitch,



and the the head light guards,





The travel lock cushion pads were also painted, These pads are molded into the resin casting, on the real tank they add some cushion preventing the main gun from getting scratched.



Finaly the tank's spare track was assembled and installed.













All that remains now is the tank's tools, and to paint the periscopes. Then I will be able to place a nice done stamp on this model .

BLOWN AWAY...... simply stunning, this has got to be some of the best scratchbuild modelling i've ever seen. you've done an excellant job John, you captured the look of the M-26 perfectly, can't wait to see the finished tank, also can't wait to see your next project this has been a joy to follow well done mate.

One word: Awsome!!

Cheers/Jan

that´s a real impressive build!

would never have the skills and the nerves to keep such a huge project going ...

My congrats!!!

For the spare-track you made a little mistake: the metal-cleats usually are facing to the opposite side than the inner "teeth" of the track ...

Anyway:

unbelieveable project!!!!!!

Thanks Guys, I'm aware that the spare track is inverted. I did this on purpose after I saw this image in the M26 walk around book of a restored M26 with the T84 E1 track. I liked the look of the exposed chevrons better than the reverse rubber pads.



I'm adding the finishing touches to the tools now. The next time I post the tank will be finished !!

I have added the last of the detail parts, and the detail part painting. Which means that the M26 is now complete and ready for action!!













The 50.cal tripod and the tools were completed and weathered. They have all been mounted into their places in the fenders.



There are a few parts of equipment that are missing; these would include the fire extinguisher, a small stove, jerry can, cloth buckets, bags, and sleeping bags. most of the parts can be found as aftermarket parts and can easily be added in a few minutes.





The M26 had a 30.cal tripod mounted in the front left hand fender. The only tripod that I have on hand is the larger 50.cal tripod that came with the Dragon 50.cal kit. The larger tripod doesn't fit in the front fender but I was able to store the tripod in the rear fender box.



The inner hatches were all painted and the panzerwerk periscopes have been installed











The tank's spare track was inverted. I originally had the chevrons on the same side as the guide teeth. This was done because I was working with an image of an M26 that had the same arrangement of spare track, only the track was the rubber chevron T84E1.

After doing more research I found that this configuration was only done with the T84E1 track because the track didn't fit on the spare track rack if they were placed the normal way with the guide teeth facing towards the track rear. All M26s with the T80E1 track had the spares stored in the standard position with the rear track pads facing outwards.





The last part that was added was the search light mount cover and chain.





Tomorrow I'll take some long awaited out door shots. After the images are taken I can create the M26's gallery webpage. Once the gallery is complete I can clean the shop, and then start the next 1/6th scale project

Dang that came out great.
Beautiful paint job you have there.
Really a fine display piece.
Wow is more like it.
Another you say can not wait to see it any hints?

Cheers

John, that is amazing. I don't know how you do it. I wish I had your talent.

Thanks again Guys for all of the encouragement.

As I hinted earlier Jeff, The tank is German, fully tracked, and the kit is not made of plastic.

I was able to take out the tank for some out door diorama images. For the diorama theme I wanted to depict a Luffwaffe front lne air strip, that was overrun and scuttled by the retreating German forces circa 1945.

















































I will now be creating the tank's gallery webpage. After the webpage is complete I will be giving the shop a good sweeping, then I will be able to start the next tank

Thanks guys, I have finished creating the tank's Gallery web page. It has all of the diorama images posted, and a section for the construction archive.

http://www.eastcoastarmory.com/m26/m26.htm

























The completion of the gallery marks the end of the project. Beofore I close the book on the M26 Project I would like to give special thanks to Plastic Panzers Tim. If it wasn't for Tim's hull this project would not be here today.

One of the coolest models I have seen on this site. Amazing level of detail.

You're an artist.

Great work! I missed the last few installments so the progress is pretty amazing. Looking forward to your next project!

Cheers!
Stefan