Some gear and stowage play.

A bit too early, but I've been distracted lol.

Looks good,this one came out right after I grabbed my Tamiya/Tasca rebox.I did the Tamiya Isreali Isherman which I think builds up similar to this one.

Mike: Ohhhh, that looks good! I'm so tempted to pick one up if only I didn't have several of the Asuka/Tasca M4A3E8s that I really, really, really need to get built first. 

I don't ever recall building one of the infamous Tasca rebox Sherman's so I can't compare them. This kit is excellent though. 

I love the tracks because they simply glued together without a single issue, but they don't lay right like indy links do. I may end up gluing them to the idlers to make them look like gravity exists. But that's a detail I will tackle much later.

Those Ishermans are wicked, mean looking tanks. Maybe someday I'll tackle one of those myself.

Gamera

Mike: Ohhhh, that looks good! I'm so tempted to pick one up if only I didn't have several of the Asuka/Tasca M4A3E8s that I really, really, really need to get built first. 

 

This kit reminds me of how beautifully the new Hien kit went together. Things fit so well I've already found myself adding gear to it, knowing I won't have any fit issues later.

The engineering is top notch. There's only 8 pieces per suspension unit and it's solid, but looks like it should function regardless. It's been a test of patience sanding road wheel seams, but once that's done they assemble easily and if you're careful they still roll. 

Each wheel has excellent raised rim detail inside and out, so painting should be easy once I get there.

Nice work so far.

Thank you, sir. 

Progress.

That's all of the major assemblies. Now I just have to add all of the little bits.

This is looking very cool.

BK

Thank you.

Mine has sat in the stash for a year, but then Dad started in on his and I was inspired to dig mine out and start it too.

He's getting a lot better with his figure painting.

(Photo credit; M-60 Tanker)

She's lookin' good Mike! 

Looking good Mike. I think you have another winner on your hands!

I haven't made any real progress in a few days. That's my Dad's Easy Eight in that last picture. He's much further along than I am.

M-60 Tankers latest pictures he's sent me;

He's on track to a good finish.

I've got some catching up to do lol.

Well both of them look good.  

Super nice work there from your dad! 

Something for Tamiya M4A3 kit builders to consider: Tamiya still hasn't corrected its research error of including the engine crank, mounted on the rear bulkhead.  No M4A3 ever had that item -- only used on radial engined tanks.

Maybe omit that part?

Forgot all about that Roy, good reminder. I've got a half dozen or so of these kits, put away in a closet. I keep printing a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby and grabbing one when I go by. I guess I could slow down now....   maybe even build one. It looks like a really nice kit.

T26E4

Something for Tamiya M4A3 kit builders to consider: Tamiya still hasn't corrected its research error of including the engine crank, mounted on the rear bulkhead.  No M4A3 ever had that item -- only used on radial engined tanks.

Maybe omit that part?

 

That part is still on the sprue lol. But not because I knew that. Thanks for letting me know about that!

RBaer

Forgot all about that Roy, good reminder. I've got a half dozen or so of these kits, put away in a closet. I keep printing a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby and grabbing one when I go by. I guess I could slow down now....   maybe even build one. It looks like a really nice kit.

 

You should build one, or two. They're super great kits.

Managed to sort out all of the parts that go on the front of the hull this evening. Nothing extraordinary. I did thin down the cross guards for the horn a bit. They're a tad thick for me.

I'll see what I can do about finishing up the hull hardware soon.

Looks good to me Mike, like the storage! 

Thanks. I've been careful not to overload it. I don't want it to turn into a gypsy caravan.

I think your storage is just fine, but I'm under the impression that most of the U.S. tanks DID look like they were part of a gypsy caravan, at least near the end of the war in Europe.

Hey Mike, this "Easy Eight" is coming along nicely. I did notice that you haven't made up your mind if you're going to use the M2 .50cal MG or the M1 .30cal MG for the turret. IMHO I'd go for "Ma Deuce". This tank looks like another winner.

Oh yes I have made up my mind. I'm going with both lol. Because guns! 

The stowage looks good.

I always thought they looked like the Beverly Hillbillies truck.

Beautiful build! I have the same kit but can't find time to work on it. Honestly this thread gave me some inspiration..