Hi guys.... Here are a few pictures of my latest project .. It is tamiya's old M4A3 kit with the Blast up-date kit and some Aber P/E ..I tried out some new techniques on this kit ..let me know what you think.

I built up the bulge missing on the side of the turret and redid all the weld seams...

I drilled out and replaced the periscope I also added one inside the armored periscope cover for the gunner.

I added all the tools from the Blast set ..I used wire to make all the grab handles and added a the weld beads to the fender attachement bands.

I added a mix of Tamiya putty and liquid cement to blend in the bluge and to get back the cast effect on the turret... I also changed the front hatches for those from TMD (Tiger Model Designs).

I added the headlights from Formation and Aber P/E guards ..I added chain to the plugs for the lights from Aber chain as well.

I blended in the pistol port .

and last but not least I added P/E chains to the gas caps .. This build has been fun so far ..I hope to have it painted this week and then I'll be adding sand bags to the front end to make it look a bit different ..All comment are welcome.

Rick

You've done a lot of work and it's looking good so far. Looking forward to the rest.

Looking very good. Ex-royal will have to watch out for you.

Thanks guys ,..Dave that is a very nice compliment ..

Rick

Rick that is super! You are doing a bang up job on this thing! Did you make the cheak armor? Very nice indeed! Keep us posted please!

nice details Richard!

Cant wait to see it painted!

Frank

Looking good. I like the pistol port blend

That's coming right along, Rick.

This might make a good build feature for the site -- you seem to have pics of every major modification and improvement. The cheek bulge alone should get the attention of those wishing to take their Sherman to another level.

Outstanding work!

Rick, this is really looking good. I especially like the extra work you've done on the turret, that really kicks it up a notch. What did you use to do the tiny weld beads where the sand shield mounting strips are attached to the hull? I'm looking forward to seeing some paint on this one.
Cheers,
Mike

This looks great.
Question - what's the greenish/brownish stuff on the transmission area in front on image 5?

Looks really good. Did you build the periscope gaurds from scratch or are they aftermarket?
Eric

Thanks for the comments guys ..John yes I built up the cheek armor with milliput actually that is how this build got started ..(I ordered two new turrets from Trakz models and then I said I had a turret to test things out on ..it was easier than I thought.... :-) )
Mike the spot welds on the sand sheild strip are just pieces of streched sprue added and melted with liquid cement and textured with the back of an exacto blade.
Scott this kit is made up of old parts from my spare parts box so it is a bit of paint left over from the first build but after texturing the transmission cover it won't show..
Eric they are from the Aber set ...they are very delicate and look the part quite well..
Thanks again guys.

Rick

Nice one Bear. Looks like a serious case of AMS ... I love to see Sherman treated like this. Any idea on finishing yet?
Ohw and don't forget to treat the suspension. would be shame not to add the same level of detail as on the hull.

Cheers, MartinD

Hey Rick,
It looks great buddy.l think you did a helluva job in this old war horse. Will I get to see it Next week? Looking forward to it.
Cheers,
Bryan

I'll bet he salvaged a used tranny that was already painted OD. What you are seeing is the remnants of paint through the texturing and the glues and stuff he applied over it

hi Martin ..Oh don't worry I stole the suspension off Dragons M4A2 and drilled the 4 holes in the front...added the Aber skids (Bryan you were right... it is quite easy) I added the missing bolts from hex shaped strene stock ..I used the TMD wheels to top it off...so I think they'll be worthy of the rest of the build...(I forgot to take them with me when I had the pictures taken.)
Bryan I sure hope so cause I kinda didn't notice the date creeping up on me and I've got nothing new to show !!! It does now have its OD coat on it using the preshading method but I still need to add the sandbags and all the weathering ...We all know how long that takes!! Hey if it ain't finished ,I'll bring it along to show you anyways..

Rick

Nice detail work.I hope you drill rain water drain holesin the bullet splash guards around the fuel filler caps.
I am interested in your use of the early TC's hatch,and the welded on top grill door supports on either side.I thoought the suports came later.But I guess they could be welded on as word got out on the hinges breaking from strain of opening the grills and letting them drop.
(++) (++)

Hi Carl ..I used the early type hatch as it seems to be the predomanant one seen in late december 44 and early January 1945... The holes are drilled already ..forgot to mention them but they are there ...As for the supports I'm pretty sure they showed up at the same time as the wet hulls ...I might be wrong about that though..Now you got me wondering ...hmmm

Rick

The supports should be there, Rick. You're good to go.

Thanks Bob ...I thought so but I was getting worried...One thing that does bug me a bit is the commanders hatch from Blast . I think it is more an early split hatch and I would have changed it for one from TMD but I couldn't find one here locally and I have a show in 9 days!!! AAARGGHH!

Rick

8 days..>TIC TIC TIC.. :-) Im all ready ...Just have to pick up my engraved name plate for the base..

Don't you think I know it !!!!!! LOL! Don't think I'm going to make it but I'll try my best...

Rick