Hi all.

Here's my first effort at a Sherman. Great kit except for the gun mantle cover. Stowage still needs to be attached and some pastel/powder work still to be done. Would appreciate any comments or tips.
(sorry about the bad photos. Still learning!!!)










thanks for looking.

Jurgen.

(I've updated the pictures and they look a little more acceptable now.)

Hi Jurgen,

Nice looking Sherman. I haven't built this kit nor do I know much about this particular version but to me it looks good.

The arrangement of the 'gear' looks very natural and I like the weahering and worn effect you are creating. It's nice to see a Sherman in something other than OD.

Only comment would be on the black muzzel break - if it was painted black fine, if not then smoke blackening doesn't really occur, there have been lots of past posts about this. If it's for looks then ignore this because it's the effect that pleases you that counts.

Thanks for posting this.

Al

Not a bad job at all. The gun muzzle break is supposed to be painted black. Also, Isrealie Jerry cans are painted black, and I think the caps on the smoke grenade launchers should be black but I could be mistaken. Additionaly, the metal straps around the tools should be the same color as the vehicle. Also, it might be the pcture, but it looks like part of the 50 cal MG barrel is tan.

The mantlet is a bear, but it looks as though you managed with it.

Sean

I've managed to upload some slightly better looking pictures.

Yes, according to my references, the muzzle break should be black. I've painted the 50 cal MG mount a tan color. Not sure if that is 100% correct.

Thanks for the tip on the tool straps. There's still some work to be there (I just placed them there for the photo)

thanks again for the comments and tips.

Jurgen.

I can't see the pics right now, but as for the tan-a .50 cal. barrel will turn a slightly tan color when it gets really hot. If this was your intent then kudos. Wish I could see it...

Hi all.

Just thought of posting some more shots of the base I'm making for this Sherman. Hope the pics work this time.






Again, any comments or suggestion appreciated.

Jurgen...

Hi Juergen,
nice looking Sherman you got there, there's always little things to do, make sure to have the tools placs right, there's fixed storage points for them. I really like the base, could almost hear the engine straining to go up that hill, really nice build
Andreas

wow nice sherman.
but i thought shermans were olive green.
or is this an other type of sherman tanks??
one question how did you made the weathering on the tracks that you could see some bright steel tracks??
thanx for advice

Thanks guys.

Hi diederik.
This is the (Italeri) M51 Super Sherman of the Israeli Defense Force. IDF armor of this period is normally Sinai Gray, which is actually a yellowish color.

As for the tracks, I initially painted them Tamiya Gunmetal Grey. Once dry, I applied dust colored powders mixed with Mineral Spirits (like a wash). Once dried, I drybrushed the tracks with silver. Hopes this helps.

Jurgen...

Actually Sinai Grey is neither Yellow nor Grey, but a huge spectrum of colours. This has been argued many times on many forums and in the real world too. This tank could be photographed in a hundred different places and will never look the same. I have read that in the summer the tank would look more of a sand colour (not yellow) and greyish in the winter to match the snows. It all depends on how and when the past was applied by the crew for repainting, which happens often. And where and how the tank was photographed. It is said to NEVER trust a photo of a tank to be correct There are tanks that look Olive Drab and there are tanks that look greyish sand colour... NOT yellow though. It is a common misconception by model companies that make Israeli tanks to paint it straight sand, but an addition of Model Master Green Drab would be sufficient. That's what I do though. Many people will tell you different things. Your tank looks great!!!

The internet gods must be smiling today-I can see the pics just fine. That's a nice job, and I like the color you chose. Another point of contention among IDF modelers seems to be those red fittings. By no means is there a concensus of opinion, but a majority agree they were not painted red on combat vehicles. I have seen black used fairly often in my references though.

I have one of these in the stash. Good to see someone else's work for inspiration

That is quite possible. The red according to references especially in the wheels and other parts isn't really a red. It appears to be red, but it's an oil I have been told that looks red in the film. Correct me if I'm wrong. A newly oiled part would appear red in a picture. I though it was rust on a Merkava once, but was told the reddish tinge is from the oil applied

Thanks all for the comments.

Got another quick question for all you IDF experts.
In regards to the stowage (ie. back packs, canvas covers, bed rolls), what color were they?
Were they tan, green, or a mixture of both?

Jurgen.

this tank was probably used during the fighting in the 60's I'll have to check my references... but you could do either a British style colour backpacks and such, but what I normally do is start with OD and then mix a khaki colour with it in progressive highlights...

thanks for that CDNTanker25.
I'm hoping to have this kit complete for a show on the weekend. Will try posting some pics of the finished product soon.

jurrgen.