Semper Fi War in the Pacific

Saw that kit also and your right, it's the same as the one I am doing.  Starting to think something is out of scale on these kits?

Finished the .50's.  They are not pushed all the way down into position yet and will not do so until the end of the build so that they do not get damaged.  There just there for a few quick pictures.  A while back I had said I was not going to put the barrel handles on but have decided to for the extra detail.  Not real sure about the ammo in the one 50 but will see what y'all think.

Port gun

Starboard gun

Will try cutting some empty shell casings now and see how they look.

Have also finished painting the yellow beach bars on the upper sides and on the tailgate.

Here is a pic with a figure behind the gun.  Ignore the fact he is German, you can see how the gun sits very high for a figure to be positioned to fire it?

Next up is to apply the markings and start weathering the LVT.  Trying to decide if I should give the whole thing and over all wash with raw umber, raw sienna or instead give it a light spray of Tamiya buff to blend the camo scheme together?  Need to pull a base out and start figuring and fitting things into place.  Still not sure if I should have the ramp up or down?  Not much left to build but still much too plan

I looked at a kit review of the Academy kit at PMMS and there is nothing under the .50's except the deck in that kit either .

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/afvclub/afv35205.html

Rob , hey man thanks ! Glad you like it . I'm not going to glue the shrouud in place for the reason you mentioned . If this builds turns out really good i may invest in some better Marine figures . I like the idea of the Jeep being lifted also so i'll look for figures that go along with that idea .

WOW Carl, WOW! That is NICE  It really hooked up nicely to the hull.  The shroud really looks good and looks like it took a bit of patience to fold.  To bad it covers a lot of your detail but I do like it on there.  Nice job!

Using the blade to hold up the jeep for Gunny is a good idea and is an excellent way to combine the two builds together in a diorama

Thanks for that link, have saved it and will be looking more through it.

Hooked up the blade temporarily .

Here's that shroud . A thousand folds . Many adjustments . Its still not finished .

Rob , here's a link that has a walk around of the M1 dozer . This pic is the one i used to figure out the tubing that the cables are run with in into the interior of the arms, look arounf , some good reference .I got it from T26E4 , Roy.

http://news.webshots.com/photo/1171068136050376060AUhpdY

Rob, thanks my friend . About the lifting eye / bail on the blade ......i'm seeing a chain hooked to it , maybe a jeep on the other end of the chain ........Gunny yelling orders as the front of the jeep is lifted up .................

Looks great Carl   I really like the idea of the extra lifting bails.  Like you said, have seen it on all the modern equipment and would think it could be found on your dozer also.  Defiantly makes it easier moving things around.

Andy , yes i'm sick and getting sicker . What ever this desease is YOU have it also .

Carl- WOW!  You are one really sick man... Loving all little details!

Except for the shroud that covers the dozer blade hydraulics i'm done with the blade assembly .I added a lifting eye in the center of the blade . Its not called for in the kit but i've seen this done on some modern dozers . Made weld marks with  glazing putty .

Before painting the welds dont look that good .

After primer they look convincing to me .

Rob , i was going to look up some info on the LTV-4 last night but i didnt get to it .............

I was looking at the .50's on your model and it looks to me that if they are mountrd any lower the gunner would be awfully close to shooting into the fore deck .

I didnt think about the casing being larger than the bullet ..............good point . Of course you'd know that . 3/4 " ? Wow ! I know the casing wont be exact in detail so i'll be interested in seeing how it comes out .

ANDY - Thanks for the offer   No need though, have finally found the figure set.  Not sure if this figure set will work either?  Back to my question - none of the figures, even if standing straight up, are tall enough to reach the guns.  The guns are just mounted to high.  If the model is to correct scale they must of had something to stand on???

CARL - Thanks for the calculator   much easier then calculating the old fashion way, with pencil and paper.  By math the .20 rod should work fine.  On the real cartridge the projectile is a 1/2" but the casing is 3/4" so that means the empty casings laying around would measure .21" or .5mm.  Will cut and paint some to see what they look like

Still moving at a pace here but will have a picture of the 50's up sometime today.  Have finally given them a spray of primer coat and will be painting them soon.

My big question still is - how does the gunner reach the guns?  If I am unable to figure this out I will not have a gunner manning the guns

Andy , quality takes time ................

Carl- Nice work on the cable!   Bet Gunny helped you again...   I didn't expect how long it will have taken you to build this bulldozer but at the end it will be a keeper for sure.

Rob-  I have built this great old Tamiya figrues set TWICE!  First time when I was probably 13 years old and for second time three years ago when I first returned to the hobby.  I still have the figure holding the Ma Duece... he has been assembled but I just couldn't finish painting it.  You can have it but you will need to remove the paint and cut it apart if necessary.

Eric , ole buddy , ole pal ! Thanks

Bill, cool figure. Loving it.

Carl, awesome work as usual on that blade.

Evergreen scale models smallest styrene rod is  .020 inch / 0.5 mm .

http://www.evergreenscalemodels.com/Shapes.htm#Round

I wouldnt mind looking at the other .50 Rob .

I went to this site to calculate what .50 is in milimeters in 1/35th .  http://www.scale-models.nl/scalc.html The calculator wont accept 1/2 inch so i used 1 inch and halved the answer , you might want to check it . That comes out at roughly .36 mm . I found this copper wire to be 0.4 mm . Close enough ? I'm going to look at Evergreen styrene or Plastrut to see what they have in there rod selection .Plastic would be easier to work with .

CARL - The cables sure look nice what ever they are.  Leveling device maybe, I'm not sure either?  Were does the cable #2 eventually go and connect too?  It could be some kind of locking device and engaged / disengaged with cable #2?  What ever it is it sure gives a lot of eye candy to look at

My original intention was to have the LVT just hitting the beach but kind of abandoned the idea because I did not have packs for the infantrymen.  I figured if they just hit the beach they would have a full combat pack on.  My plans then turned to move inland and figured maybe the infantrymen ma have staged their packs somewhere and not have to worry about the packs. 

As far as manning the guns and shell caseins everywhere, your thinking just like me, that was the plan.  Had planed on possibly using this figure set in order to get a gunner for one of the .50's.

the fig in the middle of the pic that is firing the .50 was the one I was thinking of trying to use.  He would have to be modified a bit to make him into a Marine but figured that would be the way to go being that he was in the correct pose.  The only problem now is.........I cant find the set anywhere?????  I know I had it and have not built it but cant find it anywhere in the house  Will have to look around for a new fig.  The good news is while looking for the figure set I have found some packs I can use for the Marines.  Will have to see how they fit but plan on using them and having the Marines in full battle gear now.

Now I have a question for all of you.  What should the casings be made from?  The only thing I can think of that would be to scale is too cut some brass wire to the correct length.  Not sure if that would be convincing enough, will have to cut some and see what it looks like.

It took way longer than I had thought but have finished the other .50 and its ammo box.  This one is loaded though and has its feed cover closed.  It took a little longer to fit the ammo from the gun to the ammo can and to try to make it look like the can already made.  The gun cradle has not been glued to the pintel yet that way I can adjust the angle of the gun when a figure is found and fit to the gun.

This also brings up another question.  It is hard for me to picture a person firing these guns because they seem to be mounted way to high for some one to reach and be able to sight in and fire.  Looking at real pics, they are mounted properly so the question is:  should there be some kind of stand or raised section on the interior deck for the gunner to stand on and give him some hight?  Or did the gunner just reach up to operate the gun and spray an area without actually being able to look down the sights?  From my experience one does not use the sights that much at times but walks the fire into the target but the gunner is still looking over the top of the gun to be able to adjust and control the fire.

I spared you guys another picture of the .50's until they are at least painted.  That will be coming soon.

Did this tonight . Note the time of post . There are cables that run from one arm of the dozer , around a pulley , and then to  the other arm . I dont understand the function exactly but it looks like some kind of leveling device for the dozer blade .

Here's a diagram .

..........and my rendention .

Hey guys Really good to dee you all back again .

Bill very nice work on the figure . One of these days i'll order some newer figures , the new ones really have some nice details .

Rob , i like the two 50's mounted like that . Looks like some awesome fire power ! That certainly wood be necessary for landing on an Japanese held beach and it sure would keep the enemy heads down . Have you thought about what the scene is going to be ? You said something about the Marines just hitting the beach dint you ? Maybe a couple of swabbbies manning the 50's with shell casings all over ?

Andy , i think Gunny is one of the rare China Marines that got out of Shanghai before Dec.1941 . He is a very stoic individual who remembers his brothers that were left brhind in China and caught by the Japanese to serve as slaves for the rest of the war . He respects his brother Marines and is there to help them out with his experience . However he is difficult to befriend since he has lost so many good friends already . His name for Bills figure ? Dont know yet .He's new here .

Bill- Outstanding work on the Marine!  Bet Gunny is going to be happy that he has a friend now...can't wait to start my build.  Am still swamped at work and I hope things will slow down before the spring break. I think I almost brought same kit at the recent show but I backed out.  Bad move...

Rob- Thanks for the tip about Quickcret!  Is that something we buy at Lowe's or Home Depot... those come in 25 lbs bags or so. Those LVT kits looks nice... now I am tempted.

Carl- Nice work on the 'A' frame!  You see Gunny finally a friend now... what are we going to name Bill's figure? 

Kevin- Looking forward to your pictures of the figure.  Gunny could use more friends!

Deattilo- Great process on your LVTs!  

Plenty of updates from you guys this week and I am enjoying this....

Hi Rob,,,   thanks,,,  I added the helmet straps and yes, the fig actually has a debossed USMC pocket logo but I did use an Archer for the emblem...  ....  those doggone things are great!           My plan is to use 3 Marines and one Japanese soldier.....         :::::so sayeth the plan at this point anyhow:::::        ,,,,        Yes I have used real vegatation for many of my scenes and have been wondering if there was something applicable to use for palm leaves....  I am planning on visiting a floral shop and see if they will let me fish through their garbage can,,,,,,, 

I really like your plan for the Iwo sand,,,   have not tried Quickcrete yet,,, will have to look into it.      Those 50's do look awesome...    And your extra additions will come in handy for any future builds for sure (I always like having extra's myself)

Hey there BILL, figure from that set looks really sharp.  Like his dangling helmet straps.  Nice paint and nice work with his hands and getting the rifle to sit correct  From what I can see also like the USMC on his pocket.  Did you use the Archer transfers?  That was one of the sets I had wanted to get, good to hear and see that it is a good one.  How many fig's are you planning for the diorama?

Will be watching for your palm leaves.  Have you ever used real vegetation?  You can dry and flatten the vegetation out in a book then shape and seal it with lacquer / clear coat, attach and paint.  Have not tried this for palms but have been successful with this technique with bushes and shrubs.  Might work for palms?

SKI - Still have too put something together to show the procedure making the Iwo sand but thought I would at least post some pics of the main ingredients.

All Scales Scenery

Close up of the actual grit.

This stuff is real easy to mix and use.  Just mix equal parts of water and white glue, pour in the amount of grit you would like.  Smaller amount of grit and more water/ glue for a muddier look and more grit and less water/glue for a more dry sandy look.

Something I like to sprinkle over the top of this, wait until the above mix is almost dry, is a little Quickcret.  You have to be really careful using this!! Once again make sure the mixture you sprinkle it over is almost completely dry.  If it is to wet the quickcret of course will turn to concrete and it will look so.  If sprinkled when the mixture is just damp to the touch it will stick, cure hard, and still look like a sand / grit.  Practice on something old first!

I keep a little quickcret in a baggy and use for various things when making dioramas.

LVT-4 update, it's a small one but progress has begun again   Majority of the second .50 has been completed.  Still some small stuff to put on it but mainly just the ammo box remaining to be scratch built.

When I made that order a while back, I had also ordered some update sets for the LVT(A)1 and (A)4 and a RB Model .50 for the (A)4.

Was originally hopping to be able to build one of these for this GB but believe this will have to wait for now and just finish the LVT-4 I'm working on.  At least when I get to these I will have that much more stuff already here and ready to go.

(Quicker than I thought).......      A few pics of the 3rd Marine in the plan.....

Dragon Marines, Guadalcanal '42

A great set of figs ,,,   detail is good, most of the fit is good too. A few little spider veins,,, but nothing extrodinary.

A bit of sanding, filling and I did have to work a bit on the hands to allow the carbine to sit correctly.

The fig did turn out pretty well,,,  in my opinion that is - -

His "gaze" is upward,,,  lending the thought he could be checking for snipers (which is my intent).....  this should work well with my idea on the overall scene....

After posting these I did see another spider vein that I missed,,,  BUT, it took the magnification for me to notice,,,       grrr

No worries now however..........

Hope you like.......................

Carl,,  I am very glad you did decide to stay with the Sherm / Dozer,,,,  what a great job!   Very much fun to watch it come together,,  excellent!

Deat,,,  the LVT is looking good,,,,,   can't wait to see the paint job

Andy,,,   glad you are back to feeling better too. I would say if you are feeling bad enough to keep you from the bench,, you MUST have really been wiped out,,,,  ,,,  stay healthy!  (luv those RB barrels)

Rob,,   first,, welcome back,,, second - -   sonofabiotch!,,,  what a string of shite luck,,,  dayum!   Hope everything goes well with the house, truck, med-issues, insurance, police, neighbor,,   etc.      You are due for some good luck now dammit...             The 50 cals look awesome,,  I will have to try them the next time I do a 50 (or 30).        Glad you like the palm trees,,,, I know we had discussed them a while back. I am working on scratchbuilding the palm leaves,,  not so sure I am entirely happy with them at the moment,,    I have a few other ideas for them, so we'll see.          As far as GB completion,,,   I guess the jeep is theoretically complete but I am still working on the overall scene.   I know,, I take forever with this stuff,,,  but I will still keep posting progress for as long as it takes me.      I did finish another Marine which I will post soon... his pose is going to fit in great with my scene idea....    hopefully some pics shortly.

BEN - Hope your still hanging around.  Your Sherman came out great!  Camo scheme looks good and nice work on the dry transfers.  I am glad you went with yellow.  Sorry was not able to get back to you in time with the help I had offered with the numbers.  Some of the ones I had ordered did arrive but believe they would not have worked for you.  The only ones that arrived were the vehicle registration codes which would have been to small even for your 1/48.  Was you going to put an antenna on?

YES, collected your badge sir!  You deserve it

I'll update the first page with your completed pic

CARL - Sooo much detail your putting in....not sure where to start on what I like.  Very Nice work.  Seems like Gunny is really keeping you on your toes.  The additional scratch work and detail on the blade is outstanding!  The extra work updating the older Tamiya kit is also very impressive.  Keep up the great work and don't get on Gunny's bad side

BILL - Love the jeep!!  The extra time with all of the body work and with some of the smaller delicate parts really payed off and made an excellent finish with the paint That radio really does look good back there.  What I really like is the driver and the trailer.  You see lots of jeeps but not so much of the trailers and it will add many possibilities within the diorama.  I would have to agree with the others about leaving the helmet off and just having it in the vehicle somewhere.  Nice little details on the Japanese fig and cant wait to see how you fit him into the dio

You always here someone say "I'm going to try that" but I really do plan on trying out how you make your trees!!  I really like them and they look to be fairly easy too do.  Look forward to see how the palms come out.  Thanks for posting the how too

Well with the jeep basically complete I could update the first page as completed or if you are going to keep on keeping on I can wait until the diorama is complete.  Let me know.

SKI - Have not forgotten about putting up some pics on the Iwo sand.  Will get them up very soon.

DEATTILIO - Thanks for words

Al of your LVT's are now really shaping up.  All of the work on the cab on your LVT-4 really looks good now   Dont know how ya did it.  I had to really work through some areas with my 1/35 and you really did do a fine job especially for being 1/72.  I had also not realized how small it was until the picture of it next to your 1/35 tractor.   My hats off to you   Have you figured out how you will be applying the name "Mardi Gras"?  Will you make a decal or hand paint the name onto the pontoons?

KEVIN - Would like too see your base coat on the figure if possible.  If not asking for too much would like to see the different steps in the figure painting area.  Have always found this to be interesting and instructive.  It seems people have many different ways to achieve there finish and you said you would be sing enamels, would like to see how that works.  Look forward to your next post and don't let them work you to much.

ANDY - As always, Thanks buddy  Your .50 looks outstanding also and have to agree, I really like working with the RB barrels also.  Looking at yours I now see what I missed on mine.  I did not put the PE front sight.  I saw the part but did not realize what it was for and I no longer have it for the one I already built.  Believe I will leave it off the other one I am going to make for this build so that they will both look the same.  I now know for future builds though   Congrats on your victories at the show!  Very well deserved   Now that I am getting caught up on things I will be checking in on that Stug your working on.

OK, I'm going to try to get some work done on the other .50 tonight and hopefully get the construction done on it.  Until next time.................

I've been working on the "A" frame that is part of the lifting mechanism forthe dozer blade ......it'll make more sense as the parts come together .

I scratch built these eyes that the "A" frame hinges on .

After inserting a "pin" to get things lined up i C.A.'d them in place .

Its a tight fit so i found it easier to insert the "pins" if the end is tappered .

Here's the "A" frame attached . Now it it positionable.

Soon this is going to be ready for paint .

Take care all ..................

Andy wrote .........."Carl- I don't remember how much work you have put into a kit like this. I really can't wait to see how it comes out at the end!!! Always loved those pics of Gunny... "

I never did an wip on a Sherm here or anywhere else Andy so this is a new one for me . It seems i am putting more detail and effort into my builds since i started posting here on these forums and G.B. 's with you guys . Its the surrounding talent here that is causing me to put more into my builds now . I guess its like a competition in one way .........trying to put my best effort out on these forums . Then there is all of the info that is given and taken to/from our brothers on these forums . Its made a better model builder out of me for damned sure !

Ooops , gotta go , Gunny found a loose part and wants it fixed NOW !