A very nice build, Tadakatsu. The construction is excellent and the basic finish and weathering are also well done.

I wouldn't worry over much about the contest results. I'm assuming that it had 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards - or as sometimes called: "1, 2, 3... you're out!"

Those kinds of contests are real crap-shoots. If the judging is done well, and you don't even place, then all you can do is imagine why not. You have to sort of hope that all your results meant was that there were at least three other models that the judges thought were better than yours. But then, that assumes that the judging was fair. You can never know, though. And for that reason, even winning isn't really satisfying since if the judges were biased in some way or another, you might have just been lucky and not really that good.

However, I would say that your experience at the model contest does have a bright side: At least you know there are a lot of other armor modelers near you. All those other guys who entered the contest represent a group of like-minded, fellow armor modelers.

You should consider starting an AMPS chapter in your area. AMPS is international and starting a local chapter is as easy as just getting a couple of other armor modelers together and holding regular meetings. There are AMPS chapters in Israel, London, Paris... why not in your city, Tokyo-to, in Japan?

Armor Modeling and Preservation Society::AMPS

Once you get going, hosting your own AMPS shows using the standardized AMPS judging system is not that hard. The rules are clearly written, and the judging and show procedures are well established and standard.

AMPS judging focuses on the actual work done by the modeler and provides feedback on each entry that's intended to help the modeler to advance his skills and art. Recognition is given based on the scores each model earns with no regard to what other models were entered and judged. In the end, the goal of AMPS judging is first and foremost to help the modeler to become the best he can be.

There's a lot of help and advice available if you'd like to start an AMPS chapter. You and your armor modeling friends will never have to exhibit and compete at one of those poorly judged, random-results "model contests" again.

If you're interested or would like to discuss the possibility of starting an AMPS chapter or joining AMPS, shoot me a PM here.

Alternatively, you can go to the AMPS website and use the "Contact Us" tab at the top to get in touch with the society's officers. The guys you should contact are: Roy Chow (President); Chuck Alshire (1st VP) and Chris Lloyd-Staples (2VP for AMPS International Region).

BTW: That Roy Chow, AMPS President, is the same guy who's posted here on this thread already. You can see that he's a very approachable sort of fellow.

Good luck and nice build!

Hi dennis.
My point exactry! Fortunately, things start to change all around the world. Maybe finally they are getting bored with WWII German items or running out of ideas for the next kit, I don't know. Let's see what's gonna happen in next 2 or 3 years.
I also planing to line up US AFVs in my room. I don't know much about WWI stuff but starting with M3 to M4, M26, M48 and M1A2!
AFV Club released M109s(which are amazing) and annouced M60A1 a little while ago so we're gonna get busy right?
Anyway, thaks again

Nice job on your Sherman. Like it a lot.

Hi roy.
Thank you very much for your post. It is not completely impossible to obtain English language model mags in Japan but they become pretty pricy when they get to model shops in Japan. Tax and import fee maybe? But the biggest problem is that the most of the modelers can't even read a simple English articles let alone a whole magazine so they need translation. It takes time and not many traslators are specialized in model topics. Anyway, I've noticed some changes in modeling world which pulling people away from German AFV only movement.
I think I can do some more to change the way things are rather than blaming old magazine ediors.
Thanks again.

Hello Mike.
Thak you. You make me feel the whole different way about the contest. I was thiking about at least at that pont, doing some kind of pay back to the contest. Not in a physical way off course. But now I see that not getting any prize was not all bad at all. Like you wrote, there are many good modelers out there and I can learn a lot from them. Most of all, I got you guys on the other side of the world and it is amazing.

Thank you for your AMPS introduction too.
Yes, I'm living in Tokyo Japan and I don't think I've ever heard about AMPS chapter in Tokyo.
Like I wrote somewher else, English still scare the hell out of some Japnese especially the older ones. That means I'll have to do all the translation .etc. It may not be easy to gather people but worth a shot. I'll do some research and ask people how they feel about it and get back to you.
I think I need a lot of help.

Hi Chris.
Thanks a lot. I have too many sherman kits in my place

Hi Tadakatsu, great looking Sherman. The tasca Sherman's would have to be the best on the market for out of box. I have just completed making "Fury". Please find the attached link with heaps of info.

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/224599&ord=&page=1

Keep up the great work!

Hi Nick.
Thanks for your comment and the link. Yes, tasca shermans are the best on the market! Too bad they changed the company name to Asuka and they don't seem to be planning to release any 1/35 kits including shermans.
I've noticed your post little while ago and I like it a lot. I think the movie FURY is gonna be an explosive charge for everyone to finish their Easy Eight