Thank you Gentlemen,
I call it my first serious attempt, because I've covered figures in light tan paint before and called it good. Those figures didn't look at all realistic. I'll be looking for interesting human subjects to model now. They were avoided in the past.
Chris, this is that Operation Cobra kit. I used an Eduard photo-etch set, because I wasn't happy with the kit's light guards. I also wanted the side skirt hangers. They were a prominet feature in my one reference pic.
It's a nice kit. I like the casting texture molded into the hull, transmission cover and turret. The detail is crisp. Most of the parts fit together flawlessly.
However, the instructions were untrustworthy, and I had to do some digging in reference books. One example, the kit had four different parts represting the mounting bolts for the transmission cover, and the instructions didn't indicate the part number. (PS - the kit provides a wealth of spares, you could almost build a 2nd Sherman). The kit has three or four main gun barrels in the box. The one called out in the instructions isn't common to the earliest M4A1's with 76mm guns. The more appropriate barrel is in the box. Even with the challenges, it's a great kit.
-Chris