Hi all,

I just wanted to post these photos of the new Tamiya Sherman.
I usually will take a break from a long diorama or kit build and assemble something from Tamiya for stress relief.
I have to say this kit is the best from them or any other manufacturer.
Every part went together perfectly, great instructions and a one piece canon barrel. No more two halves that need trimming and filler.
Also used their new tank crew. Same quality. Not crazy about the 4 part helmets but still went together well. My Advise is to go over the instructions first. I made the mistake on the first figure by putting the helmet top on first. Beyond that I think it is pretty much impossible to make a mistake on these kits. All is ootb. Very little added stowage at this point and no weathering.Used my own map for the commander.
Well,well worth the money.
Would love to see them do some up to date vehicles.

Tom

Tom,
Sweet looking build! The figures bring it to life despite the fact you didn't weather it. I like the periscpe glass. A nice pint of interest.

Gaz

Nicely done. I put this kit together as well, it was excellent. I will probably spring for another before too long.

Your figure paint job is awesome. Very very nice job. Share your techniques! ;-)

Thank you so much Clayton.That's the first compliment I've ever had on figures,but I'm really not great on them.Slowly getting better,but just OK in my opinion.Don't forget the uniform insignias are decals supplied I wish were part of all figure kits.
Not a lot of technique to mine.I try to do straps and small areas first.Flesh areas next and a little white on the eyes.I've found an artist very fine tip marker that I use for the pupils and eyebrows.Finally paint the rest of base color and then touch up.Next I spray with it with Tamiya TS-80.Finally add flat black and slightly darker base color as a wash.On the flesh I do a wash of Burnt umber oil.
Not much advise I'm afraid.
Gary,as for the periscopes,when I first got back to this hobby I got Shep Paines first dio book.It always sticks in my mind that he said that any glass will reflect the sky.
That's why most of mine I color clear blue.

Tom

As an easy eight addict and general Sherman o holic I agree what a breath of fresh air this kit is. I built the entire thing in two sittings and the only update I felt it needed was an improved .50 cal M2. It is waiting my airbrush but I tend not to paint a lot in summer in AZ. While I was monkeying with it I dug out all the M4A3E8 kits I had "in stock" and then went and bought another. The kit in my picture is an old Dragon kit that will disappear tot the back shelf soon. Behind all the new ones!

my next build ! where did you get the figures ?

He said he used their US tank crew set.

thanks

Lou, the figures come with the kit. There is also another figure kit that Tamiya released at the same time of US tankers during a down time taking care of their tank. Also very nice. Whatever Tamiya has done with their figs they should keep it up ! (Almost) resin quality !