Help on getting a kit built right.

Hello Badger.....You have two choices....(1) Start building it now and taking your time and ensuring you use patience to assemble this awesome model or diorama. If you have all the proper supplies to make this model than do so. (2) If you still do not want to build it then contact your local hobby store and they typically have individuals that can build this for you or point you in the right direction. My thoughts....if this is for your buddy the outcome of this model will not matter....he will appreciate it more if you took the time to build it for him, not a stranger. What matters is your during this for him and it does not have to be of professional quality. Take your time to do the proper research on the time period he served in Iraq and go for it!! Good Luck!!

 

P.S. - This is the only way to advance your skill level 

If you feel you're not confident in weathering techniques, I wouldn't go crazy trying to build it as a weathered tank for your friend. I think your friend would enjoy a simple clean build regardless. Again, the choice is yours to decide.

This is a tough spot!

One consideration on "hiring it done", obviously, is the price tag. I've been approached several times, and have done some commission builds, others got "sticker shock". It is hard to justify $300 for a bunch of plastic. But when you factor in that the builder puts in 30-40-50 hours of skilled work...that's pretty cheap! Hell, a plumber's gonna charge you $100 just to look at your toilet for 5 minutes!

On the flip side though....modelers are pretty cool people. We love building models, for FUN...even more-so when there's a "personal connection"(such as you have here). We love, respect and admire our Vets, and desire to do whatever we can to show that and/or give them a token of our appreciation. That said, I'm sure there is someone here that would be happy to help you out very reasonably...say, offer another kit or two in exchange. I think most would be very happy with that!

Badger - ModelMan, Fermis and Blacksheep bring up really good points, and I agree that your friend would appreciate your personal efforts more, rather than someone building it for you.

My points would be, 1) go ahead with the build, take your time, read the instructions very carefully, and use care with the fitting of the pieces. As you proceed things will become apparent to you, careful placement of the parts prior to cementing will assure proper alignments, then the components will all come together in modules for completion of the build.

It's an excellent suggestion to not try going for heavy weathering, and I doubt that your friend would care much either way. I think the details of the finished product will look neater clean, rather than heavily weathered.

And the suggestion that this will put you further along with advancing your own skills, I think is spot on. Model building is great fun, get busy with the Sherman and have some.

I wish you the best of success for the Sherman, and you're a good friend indeed to do this build for him.

Patrick 

Thank you all for your replies! This has been a very eye-opening experience for me here, and I rather agree with you all that he'd likely appreciate it more if I did than somebody else. I know the basic build fine, and a "simple" paint job, but I suppose that might be just fine too. Might be able to spice it up with a little dust effect too- though I need some more practice before I go at this one.

Thanks all for your help! I'm sure I'll be back with a LOT more questions in no time.

Badger,

I am glad too hear you have deceided to build it yourself. Not only will your friend appreciate it that you did it....but you'll be happy. As far as the light dusting that would be great....just practice on a model you don't care to discard when your done. 

Good Luck!!!

Please post some photos of the build when your done. 

I recently built an aircraft, a PBY Catalina for my Barber who's father served on one in the South Pacific in WWII as a "sub hunter". I got more enjoyment and satisfaction out of building that for him than I ever got building one for myself. I think Models are a great gift, with all of the time and attention to detail they require. I think a clean out of the box build will be just fine, taking your time to clean up (sand/file/fit) the parts prior to assembly, and a light dusting of Artist pastels will make for an excellent gift. Maybe try to duplicate the markings of his exact vehicle. I did this for my build, made decals with my friend's fathers' name on them. I didn't come out perfect, and I had a lot of issues along the way, but seeing the look on his face was the most satisfaction I have ever got from a build. Take your time, test fit parts, and do your best! I am nowhere near the skill level of any of the guys on here, but I am trying new techniques every time I build! This was my first two-tone paintjob, first attempt at using future for decals, first time using an airbrush, etc! good luck!!

RudyOnWheels

I recently built an aircraft, a PBY Catalina for my Barber who's father served on one in the South Pacific in WWII as a "sub hunter". I got more enjoyment and satisfaction out of building that for him than I ever got building one for myself. I think Models are a great gift, with all of the time and attention to detail they require. I think a clean out of the box build will be just fine, taking your time to clean up (sand/file/fit) the parts prior to assembly, and a light dusting of Artist pastels will make for an excellent gift. Maybe try to duplicate the markings of his exact vehicle. I did this for my build, made decals with my friend's fathers' name on them. I didn't come out perfect, and I had a lot of issues along the way, but seeing the look on his face was the most satisfaction I have ever got from a build. Take your time, test fit parts, and do your best! I am nowhere near the skill level of any of the guys on here, but I am trying new techniques every time I build! This was my first two-tone paintjob, first attempt at using future for decals, first time using an airbrush, etc! good luck!!

 

 

Man, that looks great!!!

Since coming back to building, in 09...I've done somewhere around 200 models...I'm still doing new stuff!

A few years ago, I did a B-26 for guy who's dad flew them in the war.

I accidently deleted the album that had the pics of it. But it makes a couple cameos in this news clip!(Check it out...pretty cool!!!)

http://www.clickondetroit.com/community/world-war-ii-crash-landing-has-local-connection

I did another one later, for Lou (who is in the clip as well)

This was the 2nd one, for Lou...

I got I nice letter from Lou, shortly after.

 

Feels good!!!

Rudy and Fermis,

Outstanding job!! Both of these models are spot on and have great detail. Rudy you have come along way since you started. Your airbrushing of this Catalina is awesome. Both of you please keep the photos coming, I love to see members work.

if you get stuck on anything, there's a world of builders here all to eager to help out with advice.