I built DML's M4A2 "Tarawa" kit and used Archers transfers to depict "Chicago". I built this for my lovely wife who grew up in Chicago.











I scratchbuilt the jerry can rack and used Tiger Models exhaust deflector. The tracks are Bronco indy links. Tedious for sure but worrth it in my opinion.

G

Looks good Wayne.

Any thoughts on the Bronco tracks vs. Panda?

Panda's tracks are much much easier. They require a certain amount of care as the pins are really small, but that isn't a detriment. The end connectors do not fit as tight as a set of AFV club tracks. I solved that by glueing every other one on each side as recommended by Panda.

Bronco's require much patience and quite a bit of care in assembly. The end result is spectacular if you are very very careful. The last link should be superglued as stress will stretch the join if regular cement is used excessively. By excessively I mean just a tad too much will weaken the join.

Both took paint well, and look the part when weathered.

G

Great work Wayne, its looks great.
Garth

Thank You Sir!

G

Wayne,

Very nice indeed, like what you did with the jerry can rack which was a common feature on the Tarawa M4A2's.The tracks look excellent.

Wayne,

Great Shermy. I can say that, now that I'm halfway done with one

Seriously, it looks wonderful! And you named it after my home town, too!

One question. You talk about an exhaust extension, but I can't see it, or at least I don't know what I'm looking at/for. Can you tell me?

Curt, The M4A2 came from the factory with an exhaust deflector. These were later removed and most pics show the tanks with wading trunks attached. The crews took the stacks off but left the bases as it provided extra protection.

Then I studied the tanks at Tarawa and found the only mod was the jerry can rack. The factory deflector was present.

Here's what I'm talking about.





The Tiger models piece was superb, and fit like a glove.

G

Hey Wayne,

Thanks a bunch, my friend...as I always say...you learn something every day!

Curt

As did I!

Building Marine M4's usually means wading trunks, sandbags and wood plank armor.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered the existence of the exhaust deflector.

Who knew?



G

Hi Wayne !

Great work, it's lovely.

I do not like WWII armour, but Shermans are Shermans (I have 2 of them).

Cheers !

Marco

Thank you all!

G

Good job Wayne... I built Colorado a few years back..Great subjects these Marine shermans.

Oh Richard the Sherman always provides variety, and PTO Shermans even more so. I have a M4A3 planned from Okinawa, now that will be a sight.

G

So G.... when to we get to see a feature on your collection of PTO Shermans?

Whenever someone decides my builds are worthy of that!

I for one do not think they are.

G

Now come on G, They are worthy, they are worthy, they are worthy.....

Hey there you go, and that wasn't even coming from me G

Beautiful build, Wayne.

Very nice build Wayne! I have this kit as well for future project. How was the kit overall? Well done!

Gary

Gary she was typical DML, great kit, lousy instructions.

If you've built a DML Shermy there will be no surprises. I do recommend Tigermodels exhaust, exhaust deflector, and nose piece. I used the final drive covers from the kit but will buy Tigermodel's next time.

I used this as a reference.

http://www.militarymodelling.com/news/article/tarawa/3242/

G

Here's a great link for anyone wanting to know more about Tarawa ...
http://www.tarawaontheweb.org/weap.htm

Rick

"like" button


Good work Wayne