Finally got some more work done on my M4 (Remember that M4A2 'Tarawa' kit conversion I did?
)Using Bisons 70TB D-Day decals, I squibbed on the other decals as these tanks were DDs deep waders, dozers etc. I chose Columbia Lou as I'm sure it had no fittings...
The decals went on well after the gloss coat, and these pics are taken moments after... Joe Peckerwood (the 'trucculent' turtle mascot on the left applique armour) was the first applied, and with some excess film I was keen to observe how it settled... "Really good" was my reply...
There are a couple of gripes, being the height of the '15' on each hull side, as they are a smidge too tall when placed as directed... The hullside is a fraction narrow so it'll either spill over the top of the hull or over the sand shield attachments strips at the bottom... I trimmed a sliver out of the centre of each '15' and they fitted better... The clear film in between the star and circle on the transmission cover went a little troppo, so I pierced each segment and wet them again...
As I type I realise that there is a decal missing, and is still floating in a saucer of water...
It is the D-Day shipping stencilling, and is placed on the rear right applique armour plate... Ok, it's on now!
Not in the photos though obviously...
This is my first tank I have used decals on since Jesus was a lad... Good sign that it may get finished?
All comments welcomed of course
I plan to have it in an early liberated town scene, so from what little evidence I could garner this would be the most likely timeframe for Columbia Lou to still have all it's decorations... Once Operation Cobra began, it may have been camouflaged as per 1st Army doctrine, although reference is extremely difficult to come by?
Managed to get a hold of an archive pic of what looks to be a DD tank from 70tb not long after the landings, and Joe Peckerwood appears to be on the turretside (as the non-deployed screens would obscure it) and the only addition is rear stowage, which I will add also...
Thanks!
Cheers
Brad
P.S. There are supposedly painted out stars on the turret sides, and if I remember correctly there was a DML Sherman that had these on a decal sheet? I'll have to go a huntin'...
