Hello All,
Here's my lastest project. It's the Academy M-51 built OOTB. Did Shorten the kit tracks by one link and added the lense over the search light.
Pretty much a straightforward build, a few little fit problems, nothing of any consequence.
As always would like to hear any and all comments you may have. If you would indulge me, I'd also like to hear what thing(s) you think I did well and the thing(s) that need the most work or attention.
Feel free to fire away
And now, on with the show.







Compliments make me feel better, criticisms make me better.
Joe

moderator edit-last image fixed

Well, now I'm confused
Is it so bad nobody wants to comment? Out of ammo? Can't stop laughing long enough to post? :-) The old saying, if you can't say something good, don't say anything at all?
Was hoping for some feedback Not begging (even though it sounds like it), but I do value the opinions of those on this board and was looking forward to some constructive advice.
It may just help to make an old man's day
Joe

Well I like it anyway!
I can't really speak about accuracy, but it looks well built and pretty well finished. It appears a little too flat to me, though. Not that you should have used gloss paint :-) , I mean none of the detail really jumps out. Maybe a wash? Even in arid, dusty areas there's oil speeping out of shocks and grease fittings.
Nice job!

Hi Joe

I think it looks great. Maybe some of the wheels (the one's close to the hull) could use a little more weathering. It might just be the pictures, but it looks as if the machinegun's could use a little drybrushing with silver or perhaps some ground up graphite.

Overall a great looking model Joe.

Hi

i missed this post somehow, so..

anyway, great Sherman. Looks really dusty, like a real tank.

I'm thinking of getting one M-51, i've got to choose between DML and Academy. Is this a good kit? Any major problems?

Hey Guys,
Thanks for the comments.
blindspot,
I hate to admit it, but I've tried washes a couple of times and don't seem to be able to get the hang of it
I will continue to try and see if the "simplest " of all weathering techniques can be mastered
Hwa-Rang,
Seems like a simple enough fix. Duly noted and on the to do list.
SpiritsEye,
I can't speak to the accuracy of the kit, but thought it went together well. No major fit problems. It was my first Academy kit so I can't address how it compares with other Academy kits.
The only areas with fit problems were the mantlet mating to the turret. The front fenders didn't meet the hull. Scribed the bottom side of the fenders and gently bent them down to line up with the hull.
The most notable fit problem was the upper and lower hulls in the front. Used a small piesce of plastic to fill the gap.
Thanks to all who responded.
Joe

Somehow, your model looks unfinished to me. It looks good as a model after the base paint and a flat varnish with some details done. In my humble opinion, like someone said a wash will be good, and do some airbrushing with a mixture of black + some brown + your base coat on the areas that shadows are supposed to be (underneath the wheels and tracks for example). Some depth needs to be created either by washing, using darker pastel and/or airbrushing.

Also, are the antennas same color as the tank? If they are supposed to be the same then never mind.
Nice work and just needs some finishing touch.

P2G

the build looks good. i like the tracks..that's my waterloo..weathering tracks of different terrain can be heartbreaking. from the desert to the muddy fields..sometimes i lack the imagination and materials to work on it. this one u did it right. one thing..the wheels needs a little weathering. over all the tanks is a blast!

Try to shoot the tank behind a blue-ish background. I think the colors would be more "lively."

blast means..nice build..thumbs up!

nice sherman,

i fixed your last image

the fading and scuffed appearance of the upper hull and turret looks effective, however compared to this the running gear looks far too clean.

if you arent comfortable with washes why not try something like pigments. they are usually more effective in creating a dusty look.

to make the 50cal look better just file some graphite from a pencil and rub it on with your finger.

regards

joe

Hi All,
Thanks for taking time to post your comments.
P2G,
Yeh, I agree. There needs to be something else done.
I try to replicate dust in the areas where I think it would accumulate. That's why I dust the recesses, instead of using dark colors. Behind the road wheels and tracks makes a lot of sense. It appears to be one of those things where I'm going to have to continue to work on (current processes) and find new techniques. I appreciate your suggestions.
Liberator,
That's been mentioned on another board. I've taken note myself. Some things I just don't see in time. Always nice to have another set of eyes to scrutinize the finished product.
Angela,
Would you explain, "Try to shoot the tank behind a blue-ish background".
Are you referring to using a filter of some type? The tank is sitting on a blue towel. I need to improve my photography skills. I think the flash is too bright and tends to bleach out the image.
greatbrit,
Thanks for fixing the link.
You mention pigments. What are they? And how do they differ from pastel chalks?
Will take care of the 50 caliber mg. That sounds like a fix I can handle without too much trouble
Again, thanks to all for taking time to post your comments. I hope to incorporate them into this and other builds and improve my skills.
Joe

I was away for a few days and just saw your post Joe. Great job on the M51. I'd agree with the other comments about washes but as it is, it has a very nice dusty look to it.

I'm working on the same kit and found the same minor fit problems you mentioned. Fairly easy to fix though and builds up really nice with options for early and late models and lots of stowage and figures included.

Dragon do a kit that I believe includes extra parts to build the M50 or M51 so I may have to get one of those too.

Hi Rich,
Thanks for the comment. I really like a lot of kits and am trying to keep the number down to a level so that I'll be able to build them all eventually.
I believe you are corect about the Dragon kit. I think I've read something to that effect somewhere.
Wish you the best on your build and hope you are able to share some pictures with us.
Joe

Joe,
I love Israeli armor, so I may be biased, but I like the faded paint affect you created. Maybe a wash will
increase the contrast a little. One thing to note: The tracks are metal chevron...not rubber chevron and it appears you painted the rolling surface area black ?
The chevron is highlight baremetal tho, so is it the photos play tricks? The 50 cal looks to clean compared to the rest of the tank, use some dust and highlight w/ graphite.
All in ALL its gotta be good.......ITS A SHERMAN.
Thumbs up and cheers. Todd

The towel looks grayish and it "swallows" the model's color. I think I got the suggestion from someone else that a light blue background will bring out the color.

Don't worry, we're in the same boat. I need to improve on my photography skills also.

By the way, if you can get a copy of "Modeling Tanks and Military Vehicles" by Sheperd Paine, there is a Sherman just like yours painted in Israeli color.

Angela

hi joe,

pigments are the powder base from which paints are made. they can be bought from various suppliers (mig/mmp etc) as well as art shops.

you use them in a similar way to pastels but they can be used with numerous solvents etc as well as dusted on.

if you have and are comfotable with pastels use them, the results are usually the same.

regards

joe

Nice job on the M51!!! I reaally like the exhaust, I always have problems with getting the rusty weathered good and you nailed it well. You can add some weathering to your track centre guides. I use a "silver-gray" by Tamiya. These guides are going to be burnished silver by their contact with the suspension. I like the Silver-gray as it gives a burnished rather than a polished steel look. As noted earlier you can trick up the 50 cal. I usually paint mine different shades of black/ gunmetal for different parts (receiver, barrel, feedcover). Gives it more "depth" especially on single colour cam. Couple of litttle slips of the black paint brush here and there(bow mg). Little more dusting/dirt buildup on the lower hull/ suspension. The weathered/ worn look is great. Keep up the good work!!! :-) :-)

Hey All,
Thanks for the replies.
Todd,
The tracks are actually painted a very dark brown. The guide teeth and chevrons are high lighted with MM steel.
Angela,
I think part of the problem is too much light, causing a bleached affect.
Do have a copy of that book. He scratch built his. If that was the case with me, I still wouldn't have one :-)
Joe, Thanks for the information. Still have so much to learn. And so many techniques to perfect.
INDIA11A,
Actually, the tracks are highlighted with MM steel. Guess it doesn't show that well in the photos.
Thanks again to all for the kind words and the help. Really appreciate all who take time to respond.
Joe