I finished my Academy 1/35 M10 a couple of weeks ago, but was not able to upload images for sometime. I really liked the build. The kit had only one big problem and that was the rear bulkhead panel. I got the angle of it wrong and that screwed up everything from the ammo tubes (already a test fitters nightmare; I left about 7 or 8 off though they are not seen) to the upper hull piece. Other than that, it was great.




I hand painted the front and rear ID codes and that was sometimes done. I still was using C32 decal (to my knowledge meaning 2nd track, 3rd PLT, C CO. The 630th TD BTN was involved in the campaign, however I don't have any references as to a C32 in the BTN. But it is not inconceivable that C32 existed. It just didn't look as it does.

The stars on both sides were slid under the grouser(?) stowage bracket


The back was standard except for the star. I didn't want to put both on the rear of the turret so I just put one. I was able to slide the decal under the tool.


The straps were an idea from Guntruck and a few others. Using a small piece of paper, I cut the straps, painted them, and super glued them on. I was very suprised that they held up so well, and am definitely keeping that technique. I also added wires in various places, mainly between communications boxes. The M10 interiors in my references were pretty clean in reference to clutter.



Two pictures have been moved to the campaign gallery and more are available in my gallery. Comments are encourages to the point just short of being demanded. Thanks

Jeff

Great looking M10. I think it's funny how you lined up two pictures to make them one. Reminds of that commercial for HP printers where the people keep passing around that picture frame and grabbing images right from the scene. How did you get your brass so shiny? I can never get mine to shine like that

Multiple coats and a good flash on my camera.

Jeff

Very nice Jeff, very nice.. I build the Academy Achilles ages ago, and you did a better job then me on the ammo storage. Looks good with those straps.
One thing though, the driver and radio hatches. I made the same mistake, they should be vertical when opened, not horizontal... I didn't realise that untill I bought the M10 book, AFTER I build the kit....

Cheers
Henk

Wait! If they go horizontal, how is the turret able to traverse effectively? If the gunner isn't careful, he is liable to rip one off.

Jeff

I am building the exact same tank. I also cocked up the rear, instructions. I managed to reposition the rear but placing the cannisters in is a job and a half. Here is a pic of the tank, its the only one i have found so far.

P.S your model looks great, a hell of a lot better than mine.

That picture is rather interesting. How did they get the track grousers vertical? I can't tell if its a different bracket.

Jeff

Here is a pic with vertical grousers on the front. I suppose they just took them off the front and bolted them to the sides. Not sure myself though

Thanks. You also answered my question as to how the hatches look.

Jeff

Jeff

That 30 cal on the turret front is a nice touch. Did this come with the kit as a standard part, or did you apply it yourself as a field modification?

Thanks.

Steve

The .30 cal is standard in the kit as an optional part.
Two ammo box were included - one for the gun, one extra. I added the extra and a parts box spare to the side, making a holding case and strap for the spare for continuity. I am not sure if the real one portrayed had one, but given the amount of infantry in addition to armor, it is not surprising. Many added additional .50s or a .30 facing foward.

Jeff

USNavy2534 -

Outstandingly done M10. The details, extras are brought out extremely well and highlighted very effectively. Are you adding crew figures? You've given a great "reference" for others to follow and would love to see photos of the crew if planned. I've got the Academy M18 that I plan on doing for the "VE-Victory in Europe" Campaign starting later this month so this is a great help as I've not done a US TD before. Maybe you could help answer a question? I've seen several photos of M10,M36, M18s with the "stars" either covered with gear (which seems logical due to limited internal stowage), sandbags, or as references say "covered with mud to eliminate it as an aiming point for German gunners". Was this a common practice? Or was latter 1944 to 1945 less need for this approach? Thanks and again terrific job.

Blade48mrd

It became more common as the war went on. I do not plan on adding crew figures at this time. I have not been able to master figure painting and I don't want to screw up what is already a pretty good model. By the way, this was my first TD. If you have built a tank and/or a vehicle with an interior, then you won't have a problem.

Thanks for your comments. They really are much appreciated.

Jeff

Very nice TD Jeff ! I realy like the extra effort you went through to secure all the stowage , ammo on the vehicle.

Well done,

Garry

Very nice build Jeff.

Nice one. I love M10s- the scruffier they are, the better they look imo.
Andy (betheyn?) that second photo's one I've not come across before- excellent. The radio guy in front looks comfortable!
Mark

Hey Jeff

Nice M10. Well done. You might like to know that the M10 was only used by the 630th during training in the states. Once they were deployed to Europe they were reequipped with 3" towed guns and M3 halftrack prime movers. They used the 3" gun until after the Battle of The Bulge and were again reequipped, this time with M36s. My father was in Company A of the 630th. After the Bulge, when their second gun commande (Sgt. Darnik) was killed in action, my father was given command of the gun. His first gun commander had been wounded earlier in the war. Anyway, just a little trivia. Dad's been gone 20 years now, and I don't get to talk about "war stuff" much.

Keep up the good work.

Steve Weaver
Knoxville, TN

Good looking M10. My only comment is the tail lights. Not all four sections are red as you have them (I have mine that way as well). Not exactly sure of the layout, but I've seen many threads here on Amorama that show the correct layout. Upper left is red, the rest are black, as I recall. I'll fix mine someday...

Good looking M10. You may want to tie down your ammo cans, on a real vehicle they would not stay in place for long. As noted, your ammo looks good. Far better than I did on my Achilles

Doug