Martin,

Good job. I like the weathering you've done. I know what you mean about the Italeri tracks. Have you considered a dab of CA to get the tracks to stick to the roadwheels?

Hi,

First, let me say that, for an out of box build, it's quite good. I like your finishing and weathering, although it's a bit too rusty for my liking, but that's just me.

Others have addressed things I've noticed, like the pistol port, tracks lifting the tank (what a joy they are!), step in barrel, etc. One other thing I noticed was that there is a gap between the transmission cover and that row of bolts on top...in actuality, this was all one piece, so there should be no gap there. Might be tough to fill at this stage......Italeri directions should really have you glue the row of bolts to the cover, THEN fit the cover to the lower and upper hulls. Oh, and the antenna mount you have on there, which of course came with the kit, is actually the British type. I think Italeri used a former British/Polish/Italian one in a museum somewhere to base this kit on.

One other note: the edge of your decals, especially around the stars, is pretty obvious.

Other issues are more minor. Most M4A1 had stamped spoked wheels, not the open ones that came in the kit. And for future Sherman projects you'll probably want to open up the periscope covers on the hatches, as right now the tank is driving "blind", unless, of course, it's not driving but is sitting with no crew inside.

Hope this doesn't sound too nitpicky. As a Shermaholic I learned all these lessons the same way you are, and it'll only make your next project better.

Rob

Hi MArtin,

If your next M4A1 is the Dragon Kit 6048 just be warned that the instructions on fixing the rear idler wheel axles are wrong, unless they have been changed. The 3 bolts should be facing downwards, as I found out toooooo late

Have fun.

Al