I have a Tamiya M3 Grant I'm thinking about starting and I was wondering what color would the tank have been painted if used in the Middle East Campaign during the early part of WWII? This would be using either Tamiya or Testor's paints. Thanks.

I don't have the exact answer for you but I know the answer can be found here:
http://www.mafva.org/Resources.asp

Tamiya's painting instructions are bogus, so take no notice of them. Might be easiest to paint the tank a plain Light Stone colour. The MAFVA instructions are based on Humbrol colours, so you'll need to cross reference with the IPMS Stockholm reference pages to get a match with Tamiya or Testors

http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/colorcharts/colorcharts_2.asp

Hope this helps a bit

You do realize that this is the proverbial "sow's ear" and that a lot of work is needed to turn it into a "silk purse?"

Out of the box you get a relatively poorly detailed model with a misshapen turret and inaccurate details.

If you are happy with that, no worries, but if you want a list of corrections (which you can pick and choose from) let us know and I'm sure we can help out. It all depends upon what you want to end up with.

Paul

I remember reading some of the problems here, but I can't remember them all. What would be some of the problems and their fixes? Thanks.

Remember, you asked for it...

1) The road wheels should have 5 spokes instead of 6 - Replace with aftermarket or from junked Sherman kits.
2) The tracks have the end connectors in the middle of the pads and not connecting the pads - Replace with aftermarket. Use the WE 210 type if you can find them. RHPS makes them.
3) The turret is too tall by .17" making the turret look seriously overinflated - Replace with Armoured Brigade Models correction if you can find it or other aftermarket.
4) The stowage boxes and tool layout are for the Lee, not the Grant - Replace with scratchbuilt boxes of correct shape or aftermarket resin.
5) The 3-piece differential cover lacks any detail - scratchbuild detail as kit is too wide and no Sherman-based replacement parts will fit.
6) The idler mounts are completely bogus - replace with parts taken from Italeri or Dragon Shermans.
7) The hull is too wide because the kit was designed for motorisation - no fix possible
8) The superstructure angles are off, see #7 - no fix possible
9) If you are doing an early Grant with the Wright engine (as opposed to the COntinental radial) then the whole arse end is wrong. - scratchbuild some external mufflers and bin the external air cleaners in the kit.

On the more minor side, the kit is also missing some ventilators, proper Brit tools, detail parts like grouser boxes and, if you want, the "Sunshade" rails along the sides, and the drivor's visor is too small. The detail on the suspension bogeys isn't too good (Tank Workshop produce a good but expensive set of resin replacements). There is no cast texture or small casting details on the cast parts, turret or hull.

That covers most of it...

Sorry you asked? :-)

Paul

Paul (tankmodeler) is being modest. If you contact him, he has a personal line of Grant upgrades cast in resin that he sells. Reasonable prices and Paul's a great modeller.

Yeah, I remember now that he had produced some replacement parts and they looked pretty good. I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Might just wait to see if Dragon (or was it Academy?) will release the one they've been promising for some time. But, I do appreciate everyone's assistance. Maybe I'll break down and build a Wehrmacht tank...........

It is a fun weekend build though, if you can get past the major flaws. Painted mine OD, btw.

Shaun

The good thing about this tank is the large slab sides - ideal for trying out camo patterns and a good test bed for weathering.

Would have looked better if the hull and superstructure fitted together properly!!

CB

It was Academy and unless they really stop cheaping out on the research, any Lee/Grant they eventually produce could be as flawed as the old Tamiya dog.

They have been promising "December" for 3 yerars now, so I'll believe it when it's in my hands.

Paul