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Greetings all,
First time poster (long time lurker!). I recently returned to the hobby after a 10 year hiatus, and couldn't resist doing an Iwo flame tank after picking up Tank Warfare on Iwo Jima. This is the Dragon PTO M4A2 kit, heavily modified to represent a flame tank from "D" Co, 5th Tank Bn on Iwo Jima. Rather than replicate an actual machine, I decided instead to do a representation of all the modifications typical to a 5th Tk Bn machine (3rd and 4th Tank Battalions also modified their tanks with different methods, each peculiar to their battalions). So, using various aftermarket parts and items "donated" by an Academy M4A2, I set out on my "back in the saddle" build. I applied wooden plank armor (by GCLaser) to the hull sides and bogies, wading stacks from the Academy kit, sandbags and spare kit from Verlinden, scratchbuilt the water tank on the engine deck from a resin 500lb bomb, added a tarpaulin-covered .50 machine gun on the turret rear, and scratchbuilt the chicken wire cages over the hull hatches. I also drilled countless holes on the commander's cupola and loader's hatch to insert wire, cut to length, to represent the nails that 5th Tk Bn welded on the hatches to deter (or at least delay) attempts to open the hatches by Japanese infiltrators. I finished it off with a brush-painted camo pattern, and weathered it with artist's oils and ModelMaster enamels. I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out, although my wife wishes I named it after her and not the dog! Any feedback/critiques are greatly appreciated, as I'm trying to refine my skill set after not touching plastic for way too long!
Semper,
Ski
My thanks to Paul Miles at Temecula Valley Modelers Club for the photos, and to all my buds in the club for their feedback and advice!
First, welcome Ski!
Second SWEET M4A3! Excellent paint job, if you didn't say it was brushed on, I would have thought it was air brushed. So, is this a case of once a Marine, always a Marine model builder ? lol.
Keep'em coming!
Mike
Thanks for the kind words, Mike! Indeed, ALL the kits in my stash (and my ancient previoius builds) are Marine subjects. I'm just about finished with my Panda 1/35th UH-1N, I'll be sure to post it once it's done....(are they EVER done?)
Ski, welcome to the forums.
That is very eye catching and nice looking build. Colors and scratch work are well done. If you have another USMC vehicle come and join use over in the GB "War in the Pacific". Would like to see some more of your work what ever it may be.
Rob
So refreshing to see something Pacific themed. Very nicely done. Glad you came out of hiding.
Eric
Thanks, Tigerman! I had no idea there was a Group Build kicking off, but I think I'm going to dust off the other Sherman I have in waiting (the "donor" Academy tank) and make another Iwo Sherman. I've set my sights on a 4th Tank Bn machine. 4th Bn also had wooden slats on the sponsons, with a few inches of concrete between the hull and wood. Cages over the hatches, extra track links, etc... More to follow on the GB Forum!
Just giving credit where it's due-Mike
Thanks Mike, I sincerely appreciate it.
Oh, and just to be clear, the camo is hand painted, but I used my trusty Badger to get the exhaust staining and dusty it up a bit!
Ski - Very nice work, love to see a Sherman with a camo pattern. Nice detail work and the light weathering is perfect IMO
Also,.... Welcome to the humble family here. Now that you are "out"....keep it coming. Always good to have new blood here.
Rounds Complete!!
"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."
Ski,
Thanks for posting! Beautiful model, I love Allied armour most of all but plain jane olive drab does get dull after awhile. Love the camo and all the modifications and additions!
"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen
Great looking M4A2. I love how the Marines modified their tanks between campaigns. You really don't see this much modification by the Army in the European theather.
I rented "The Pacific" last month, am now reading "With the Old Breed" and a Time-Life book on Iwo and Okinawa. The Marines had such a fierce fight with the Japanese on these islands.
Keep up the great work and I can't wait to see another Iwo tank.
Tim Wilding
sweet Build ! nice !
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This is a great build...
Very nice work on the Iwo flame-tank. I'd say you had more than re-established yourself in the saddle, you're off to a gallop! Look forward to seeing more work in the future, welcome to the forums!
BP Models
Thanks, Bill! Coming from a talented modeler like yourself, that means a lot!
Semper!
wbill76 Very nice work on the Iwo flame-tank. I'd say you had more than re-established yourself in the saddle, you're off to a gallop! Look forward to seeing more work in the future, welcome to the forums!
...speaking of seeing more work....
It doesn't look like you lost any of your skills, excellent build! Is that a hole in the turret, left side?
Welcome to the group.
ps1, never fear...I've been busy with tigerman's Battle in the West GB and working on a Pz IV-C for that. Should be crossing the finish line with it in the next couple of weeks and then it will be back to posting in the regular forum.
You can see the clean log here if you're interested: http://www.bpmodels.net/Model/Album/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=54
Thought I'd post a couple pics of where my Zippo "lives"....
And Buckeye, yes, that's how the kit was molded (I forget what the hole is for...perhaps some of the "Shermaholics" can chime in?"
[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]
The canteen cup with the 5th MarDiv patch is full of sand from the landing beaches at Iwo. Have not been there myself, unfortunately, but a buddy hooked me up. Eventually I'll do a 6th Tk Bn Sherman, since I do have some dirt and shrapnel I brought home with me from Sugar Loaf Hill in Okinawa.
Cheers,
Ski, that Pacific Sherman is great. I always love to see the Marines represented...as an old Seabee I wish there was construction equipment available...you know the Seabees of 133rd Construction Battalion hit the beach with the Marines.
Bill, that Panzer is tight, I love the paint.
Absolutely gorgeous Ski
-Josiah
Outstanding work USMCSKI......I think it came out great, I like the the WWII display as well, but I think your tank is just screaming to be set in a diorama.
I was Kilo 3/7 1st MARDIV 1985 - 1989 on Camp Pendelton........Semper Fidelis
Kevin
Ski, you're hitting the forum beach hard with some quality builds! I have no critiques of anything that stands out to me. What's next from you?
F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!
U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!
N is for NO SURVIVORS...
- Plankton
LSM
Hey Stikpusher!
I put some time in on my 4th Tk Bn Sherman last night. Milliput sandbags (still have to knock out the other side, though), exhaust adapter, and some other cats and dogs. When she's done, I think she'll be a nice companion to Daisy. Here's a few in progress pics, enjoy!
Thanks, Kevin, and SEMPER FI, MAC! Once a Marine, always a Marine.....
Wow, looks great! I love it!it just looks so perfect...I'm more of a plane builder, but I allways wanted to make a sherman flame tank that fought on Iwo Jima...Is there any kit in 1/48 or a conversion kit in 1/48 of a sherman flame tank that excists?Regards Ninetalis
Thanks, Ninetalis!
If I recall correctly, Black Dog makes a 1/48 Iwo Jima Sherman conversion/accessory kit. Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it! I'm having a blast working on my other Sherman right now, I'll post more photos as I get more knocked out...
Nice execution!
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