Sherman Firefly Tank (Revell 1/76)

Yep, as I have said, the smallest scale for human comfort and ergonomy is 1/35, everything is smaller than that for me...is just brainsurgery...already struggling with PE at 1/35 scales... once said that...I appreaciate modelers that do small scale kits due to the itsy bity parts..and then have to deal with paint and details.

I do think those big streaks of color gives it a "cartoonish" look....hmm...but thats just me.

Good work and lets see more from you.

Lilliput.Models

Hey Karl, it's all right. I think it is a matter of taste. Let me refer you to my actual blog where you can find all the pictures in HD and save them if you'd like to: www.lilliputmodels.com/.../sherman-firefly.html

Hope that helps. Cheers!

Anyway, this is one of Matchbox's old molds; I recognize it from my own build of it. You can't make "silk purses" out of these models, as they show their age quite plainly, but it looks like you gave it an honest shot. I'm not sure what to think of the "snow" effects---I had to re-read your post before I could figure out what you were trying to achieve with it. I think you'd be better served using perhaps talcum powder or a commercially-available snow product; thatbeing said, it's awfully hard to simulate snow in 1/76 scale because the "flakes" would be almost micropscopic. I think that in this case, I would have actually used a whitewash finish and done a "hairspray" things with it.

When you'r edoing the next one, post "in progress" photos and get advice as you go. That's how we all learned here!

Hello Craig,

Thank you very much for the extensive advice. As a beginner I really appreciate it. I find it fascinating that you were well into your second decade of modelling before I was even born! :) That is one of the reasons why I am here actually, to watch and learn from more experienced members like yourself. Please do keep me informed of your valuable suggestions for my future posts, and all the best!

Ali

Hi Lilliput.M  Good start  and glad you've got an interest in scale modelling. Many of the regulars that post here have many years of building experience and success and likely a few failures along the path. When I started modelling more seriously back in the 1970's, the internet wasn't around to help me out, so the learning curve was very slow. But one thing I found helpful was see other work by more experienced people.

I see a seam across the front transmission cover that could be filled. Assembly seams are a basic that have to be blended and sometimes you need good references to note if that seam is actually present on the real subject. An even paint scheme would help as well. It looks a bit like you tried to do some winterizing on the green? The white paint that is? It looks like everything is put on straight which is important to give a good first impression. I have found the finish (painting, decaling, weathering) is extremely important. If a model is not finished well, all the extra work gone into it sometimes is not noticed because the audience is already moved on to the next subject.

Sometimes we forget how much knowledge and skill we have accumulated over our many years of building. With every kit you complete you will say " I wish I would have done that differently", then you will incorporate a new technique. I learned many things during my power building of my younger years and don't regret building about 1 kit a month back 30+ years ago.

Thanks for posting

Craig

Hey Karl, it's all right. I think it is a matter of taste. Let me refer you to my actual blog where you can find all the pictures in HD and save them if you'd like to: www.lilliputmodels.com/.../sherman-firefly.html

Hope that helps. Cheers!

I've got to be honest--don't take it personally, but I have no interest in watching a Youtube video to see someone's work. I like pictures that I can appraise and save if I want for inspiration or an example. I know that some people feel that this is "progress" but I'm old fashioned.

Hi disastermaster, sorry for the squintin' eye problem :) I'll definitely zoom in next time.

In the meantime, why don't you take a look at the video of this post: http://youtu.be/h0oPPl2uV2A

You will find better pictures there. Hope it helps.

Cheers!

 OK, I'm squintin' really hard to see it ........ 

 ........so (in good humor) you might want to build the

next one in 1/16 scale. It looks like an interesting accomplishment

but this particular 1/76 scale subject is just too hard for to see even with my BIGGEST readers on.