While I take a break and do a little more research for my M4A1 build, I thought I would get started on my next Sherman build log.

This one will be Tascas M4A3E2 Jumbo with Archers markings for COBRA KING. I will also be using Archers casting symbols for the M4A3E2. Other possible am goodies will probably be a set of T48 tracks and duckbills from Panda Plastics.

I don’t expect to build fast, so subscribe to this thread to follow updates.

Heres my Cobra King done a couple of years ago using the Blast cnversion Hope it helps with your model Got the Tasca kit to and preassebled T-48 (with EECs) modelkasten tracks Cheers Mark

Hi John,

Nice kit - I've got one in the stash! Any reason why the Panda tracks? I thought the Tasca ones looked pretty good, and will sure take less time...

I'll be watching with interest!

Tom

Hi Tom,

I’m not 100% certain about using Panda tracks yet. It all depends on how well the kit tracks work for me.

So far it looks like this is pretty much an OOB build. I’m even going as far as using the 2 pc barrel…………..LOL

One nice thing about this kit is you sure get a lot of extra road wheels for the parts box.

The jumbo kit is fabulous. If you want, the solid wheel inners from the jumbo kit are an exact fit inside the dragon sherman outers and use them outside in, if you know what i mean - i have used them as described on another kit - they look great and everyone has loads of dragon sherman wheels left over! stevie.

For those that haven’t seen the kit yet, you get 3 different road wheels in the kit, plus a dished center to install in the back of the pressed spoke wheel to model a 4th type of wheel. I will be using the late spoke wheel (lower left). There are 2 complete sets of wheel s left for the parts box. Plus a set of spoked idler wheels.



I started building last night. I started with the lower hull panels and didn’t stop until I made sure every thing lined up well with the upper hull. This is no problem with the Tasca kits as they fit together very well.







I gave the Trans housing my cast texture treatment.



The only fit problem so far was the front armor plate. It’s hollow on the back side so it will go over the headlight mounts on the front hull. It didn’t sit flat, so I filed away the mounts so it will sit flat.

Hey John!
I'll be watching this for sure. Just love that overweight Sherman
I really like the cast texture method that you came up with! I'll be giving that a shot on a future build.

John,

Going for another Shermy I see. Awesome!

LIke Eric said the texturing looks great.

I will be following this one as well. Hope to see more soon.

Hi,

Any updates on this project? I am very interested in doing this as my next project and would like to know how the Archer transfers work out for the slogan of "First in Bastogne" works for you.

Thanks
Brad

Hi Brad,

I just started back on this a couple of nights ago. No real progress as of yet. I did the research for Archer on the Cobra King markings, so I hope they work out well.

I’m glad to here that you want to do Cobra King as your next project. I would just go for it!

Thanks, John

Sorry for the long absence from this build. I have been working on this one off and on. Thought it might be time to play catch up with this blog.

Basic construction of the hull is complete and ready for the little detail bits. I also gave the turret a cast texture.

I detailed the Gun Mantle, it was constructed in two pieces with the inner part being cast. Tasca render both halves smooth with a straight square molding as the weld bead. I gave the inner part a cast texture, and reworked the molding to represent the weld bead.



To the rear of the turret, I have added some weld beads and refined some parts.



Tasca supplies a foam rubber pad that needs to be cut into squares for a workable suspension. I’m not real crazy on the workable suspension, so I cut my own spaces from sheet stock using a punch and die. All this will be trapped inside the bogie housing and will not be seen.

John,

Looking awesome. Have you taken care of the casting symbols yet?

Did you taper the thickness of the pads front to rear for the VVSS since it's a Jumbo?

Thanks Jesse,

The casting symbols will be the last thing I put on before paint. I will wash the model real well to remove grease and dust, and don't want to wash the casting mark decals off.

I thought about tappering the shims, but I could see my self getting them mixed up, so I decided to just make them all the same.

Thanks for checking in!

By the way... I see that you skipped the "fun" part of building the suspension until after the hull and turret.

LOL, guilty as charged.

I’ve been down that road before with tasca suspensions. I won’t be able to put it off much longer now.

That's funny. For my Tasca projects, I go for the suspension first -- to get it out of the way.

your tank with hight detail on part,modet kit of Tasca,same versions of Italeri made.

John,

Nice welding work there. They really look the part.
I don't have this kit but being a Tasca kit it looks great.

Looking forward to seeing more from you.

Dave.

Great work, Will be looking forward to seeing how you get on with painting. What's your thoughts on the front portion of the tank's sloping armour colour? Is that worn off white wash or just weathered OD? I am leaning towards just weathered OD paint. As for the markings, we have a choice of the dry transfers that you have and a set of decals by Echelon IIRC. What made you go with the dry transfers?

Keep up the great work.

Brad

Hi Brad, Thanks for having a look.

I belive that the paint on the front sloping armor is just dirty OD.

As for the dry transfers, I did the research work for archer on this one.

Excellent, thanks John!

Brad

I now have the majority of the hull and turret completed. Just a few small bits to go, Then do a final clean up, wash, and place the Archer casting marks.

I ordered some brass aerial mounts, The kit mount didn’t come out to good after cleaning the mold seam from it.

I need to scrounge a spot light as the kit did not come with one. Add the step bars around the front towing shackles, then its pretty much ready for paint. I still have the Panda Plastic tracks to clean up and assemble, but I will do this as I am waiting on layers of the weathering to dry.

Here are a few pics of where it’s at. The next update will most likely be with paint.

Hi John,

Very nice clean build and the tools look sweet! Im curious how the panda tracks will go, have you ever used them? Well done John!

Gary

Hey John!
Great to see this mighty Jumbo back on the work bench! Awesome work as usual!!