Thanks for observation about ammo boxes. Well, the instructions doesn't say anything about the color of boxes, the color "guide" doesn't show them and I didn't find any photos of them online so I just assumed they are white.
Oh well, something has to be wrong. Or the co-driver was bored and painted them white

It seems those guys were worthless!

You need some Sherman reference books!

OK, I just tried to see if I could reach them with paintbrush and looks like I will be able to paint them without too much trouble. Phew.

Next step: suspension and tracks. Everything is workable.
Track parts might look terrifying at first, but they assemble relatively fast and trouble free. Instructions tell you not to use glue, but you will have to use a drop of liquid cement to connect outer and inner (rubber) parts of the link, as well as the guide horns. Be careful and things will be OK.

Track are on, suggested 76 links are ideal number, tension can be adjusted. Before putting suspension and tracks, some basic weathering was done on lower portions of the body and on tracks too (outer portions of the suspension just have brown wash at the moment). More dirt to come.

You’re doing a great job on this.
Now I’m looking up what this kit costs...
Dan

Thanks Dan, glad you like it.
Message to your better half: Ma'am, it's not my fault he spent that money...

I agree, awesome job. I’ve never liked this version of the Sherman. That is until your build post. Now I think I too will have to change my mind and take the plunge into the icy waters of spouse derision. For a little while anyway. I wonder how many marriages you’re going to break up with this build post?
VR, Russ

I’ve built a ‘E8 by Tasca and thought that I’d not build another, but seeing this kit makes me think about changing that idea.
I saw some pics of camo’d ‘E8s in Korea...

Well, vacation is over, time to do some modelling...
Interior of the cupola is mostly finished. Some touchups and some more weathering to do and closing up.
Photos are bad, I know, I was too lazy to take out my equipment so I shot them with mobile phone (white balance was not set, that's why olive drab appears to be brown).

Nice!
The RFM salesman is back!

On the first picture of the last post you can see that i glued that thing with the black handle wrong... idiot.
Luckily, corrected without problems.
Also, that curved part closest to the camera on last picture was glued wrong... mega idiot.
Corrected that screw up too.
Feel free to laugh... I deserve it.

No worries!
Use references photos and check the instructions against them.
Dan

Cupola halves joined together. Fit was relatively good, I put few thin layers of liquid putty to joints and before it was fully dry i dabbed it with short bristled brush dipped in nail polish remover (without acetone) to blend it. Seems to be OK, will see after the primer...

WOW! That looks amazing! Your weathering is spot on!

Thanks Ezra, glad you like it!
Well, the turret received paint coat, black star decals and a satin varnish coat. Next step is fading with oils and washes to blend the color with the body.

Great looking beast!

Thanks Dan!

This has to be my top favorite Sherman build i've seen! Will you add some mud to the lower hull or leave it fairly clean?

Thanks for compliments Ezra!
Yes, I do plan to dirty it up.

Mud works...






Almost finished

The mud looks great! If your still working on it Night shift modeler on YouTube has a great video on applying mud to a E8!

Can you tighten up the idler wheel? The track should have no slack in it.
Like your mud!
Dan

Thank you guys, glad you like it!
Ezra, yeah, I know his channel, I'm a big fan of his techniques.
Dan, yup, idler is moveable so it's already taken care of.