Nice work! Looking forward to the final reveal! 

Good idea there on the silver Sharpie. 

Also looking forward to what you guys decide to build next. 

Nice job on the inside of the tracks where the rubber road wheels "buf" the rubber track pads.

Even in th emud, there's a decent "squeegie" effect to keep that area middling clean.

Thanks Gamera, I'm finding that the while the builds become easier the larger the scale the challenges in making the build realistic are required too (the mic's and cords). Another example we are currently working on would be the tracks. In 1/72 to even 1/35 the tracks can be aged and scuffed up much easier than 1/16 as I'll explain my reasoning below.

As promised, back to modeling the Easy Eight Sherman, and now it's track time.

I want to place a disclaimer here. Even though I served for several years in combat arms in the U.S. Military, I do not claim to be any kind of expert in modeling the subjects. The method I'm going to show worked for this scale and kit. It most likely would not work as well for all military tracked vehicles in the various scales. 

The first step Jarrod and I did was paint the linked tracks flat black using left over Testor's Enamel. After letting it dry for a couple days we turned them over and sprays the other side. So now we have a base coat right? Not so fast.... We found that the articulating or hinge portion of the tracks (between each link) did not get a full coat of black. In a smaller scale we would most likely be able to cover it with washes and dry brushing, but not in this large of scale. So, how do we get the spray in between each link? Jarrod and I came up with the idea of using a broom handle. It was laid horizontally to allow the track to bend over it, exposing the inner hinge. While exposed we sprayed between the links flat black finally completing the base coat. 

Our second step was to identify where to apply the rust, and we started in the hole within the track guides along with the center pivot point between them. 



The next place to paint a rust wash was between each track link; yes we painted each hole in each guide and the two points between each track link. With our Sherman just coming out of an earthy (muddy) location, we did not add rust to the end links pivot point as they will be covered in grime. 

Step three was to identify where the reoccurring contact points were that would be painted with bare metal. For us those would initially be where the teeth of the front drive sprocket mesh in each track link. To achieve that we decided to use a permanent silver marker. We thought it would make a consistent mark, much like the sprocket teeth would when contacting the track. 



We wer not worried about the silver spillage from the marker as we used enamel bruch cleaner on a ear swab to remove it, leaving only the silver in the track sprocket holes and a light sheen on the end links. 



Step four was applying a silver dry brush to the outside edges of the track guides where they consistently contact the inner road wheels thus removing the paint from the outer track guide faces.

Step five was to apply a light rust wash on the external face of the track using diluted Testor's Rust Enamel. Next we chose to dry brush Vallejo Flat Earth thoroughly over the external track, end links, and partially over the inner face of the link that made contact with the road wheels. 





This is as far as we can go until we feed the track onto the tank. Once the tracks are on the tank we will add a little more rust in the recessed areas on the external face of the tracks and dry brush the contact points that pound the road with a light silver touch. After that, Jarrod and I will continue with the European thick and splash mud from Vallejo. One of them is European mud with grass (neat!). 



We will show more on that portion of weathering when we add the final wear and weathering on the hull and turret (next update). The reason you ask? If you add the scale mud effects to the tracks they dry they will not be flexible. You then would not be able to feed the tracks through the sprocket, idlers and road wheels onto the tank.

We also mentioned we finished working on the "extras". Here is a look at the unopened (strapped) carton of Rations that will be going behind the turret on the engine cover (hull). 



During the build, the kit instructions would have you add the water and fuel cans on the rack on the back of the hull. Since we are using a more realistic after-market item, we decided to make a field modification (like many did during the war) and created can holders that were welded to the back of the hull, above the rear fenders. To create the holders we used flat sheet plastic and pre-cut brass. Next update we will show them on the Sherman.



The next update will most likely be the last one before the final reveal. Both digger and Neil were inquiring what we would build next? All we can say is it will either be a car, aircraft, helicopter, military ground vehicle, spacecraft, motorcycle, ship, or figure.      

Talk to you more in a few days. Till then please share your thoughts on the track painting process. I know there are other methods that have been posted on-line, but this method we've shown is our way of doing it. If you would've had an easier way to paint them accurately in this large scale we are all ears to know about it. Thanks for following along, responses are encouraged. 

Ben and Jarrod

Ben & Jarrod: Those are looking good guys!!! 

That's one of the reasons I model in 1/35th the box just looks like a tiny black speck. This bigger scale you have to add so much extra detail. 

Thanks Gamera, much appreciated!

This update is going to show the detailing of the tanker figures helmet and mic's. Here is what Jarrod and I are shooting for:







If you look closely you can see two different colors of elastic straps for the throat (black or light OD). My first attempt to create the little black box for the throat mic's was completely wrong. I just created a rectangle shape in size of the box and stuck a very thin cord of solder in one side and out the other. When looking at the actual item I notice that one end has a closed loop and the other end is for both the IN and OUT cords. The closed loop is used to hang the box around the person's neck with a thin kind of mustard colored strap. After looking at many, many tankers helmets I found that some had the speaker wire come down on the left and some on the right. Since the speakers are installed often in the field I suppose the helmet wearer can choose which side to feed the cord from. It may also have something to do with where they hook up inside the turret as having cords and cables wrap around you is restraining and can limit your movement. 

OK, the first step is how Jarrod and I created simple throat mic's using soft lead sheet cut narrow for the strap and some left over PE for the two round pick-ups. Here is how I assemble them. Once assembled I painted them completely black. Well actually the mic's are Testor's rubber, and the elastic strap was painted flat black. 





I then used the round end of a file handle to pre-curve the strap, cut the strap to length for the figure and glued them in place on their throats. 

Step 2 shows how the control box was created out of thick sheet plastic, spare PE, and loops cut from jewelry supplies. The rectangular pieces of plastic were drilled to allow the two ends of cord (solder) to be attached. We used .015 dia. sterling bearing solder for its toughness and flexibility.





Once assembled they look like this:



Jarrod and I painted the control box rubber and using a permanent black marker on the solder resulting in a convincing mix. The neck strap was made from a mustard yellow string and carefully placed to appear them around the necks and holding up the control box. The shorter solder cable was pre-curved and attached to the throat mic's and the longer solder cord was fed down the body and into the tank. Here is how they look on the figures.

NOTE: The goggles on the right figure have been repainted and look much better. Also please pay no attention to the arms or hands as they cannot be seen once the figures are in position within the tank.





Other than that, we are moving forward on the tracks, but that is for another time. Jarrod and I say good bye for now; live, laugh, and love well, and model something.

Really nice guys! Love the work you two did on the figures! 

So, since our weekend get-away we returned to paint the handrails on the rear deck. I wanted to pay a painter to do it but my wife thought it would be a good bonding moment; still have touch-up to complete.



Just an FYI, Jarrod's High School baseball team lost in the semi-finals by 1 run to the eventual State Champions. While every team wants to be the State Champion, being one of the four best teams in the State is still a great accomplishment. 

Finally got the zero turn mower back and cut the grass today. I'm happy to have things returning to normal. And as far as my mid-life crisis moment?, we still have not decided on the exact vehicle to replace the motorcycles, yet. For me it doesn't need to be brand spanking new, to the contrary, I would just as easy like a classic 60's-70's ride or a year old (depreciated) one.

So why am I posting? To show my band of brothers (sort of) for the Sherman and diorama forth coming. Without giving up to much, here is a sneak peak of the nearly completed figures. Jarrod and I still need to add the helmet and throat microphones (yes, I'm making them too). We did manage to create and add helmet straps on the loader (the tanker with the tan bibs on and steel pot). The goggles have been detailed as well. We will show more once they are completed and added to the vehicle.



Up next is working on the tracks, then building up layers of washes, and pastels on the hull and turret before a light dry brush.

Till then....

Ben and Jarrod

Looking awesome Ben & Jarrod.

SO... I'm a car guy - what are you looking at moving to?  There's a bunch of great sporty cars or are you looking at at something above the norm?  Could start an entire thread on that alone.  

Ben & Jarrod: She's coming along great guys! Love the Vette!!! 

 In two words...WOW, busy, lots going on Ben. I thought I was looking at a security camera when I seen the Vette. Very nice. If he isn't impressed drive that critter to Washington and park it in my yard LOL.

    You and Jarrod are really bringing that sherman to life, hope I can come clise to achieveing as AWESOME of results. HOLY GUAQUEMOLE...not a fan of the stuff but in the case of your tank I WILL make an exceotion LOL.

      Thanks for sharing Ben.

Progressing along nicely.  You guys are doing a great job on this kit!

Thanks for the nice replies everybody, Jarrod really loves the feedback. 

Jarrod and I think it's more than time for an update. With summer sports peaking before the extreme hot weather, its been hard finding time to sit and work on the Sherman. For example, our local high school baseball team that Jarrod helped with before graduating has achieved some success this year by winning the LCL league, District, and regional playoffs. They are now going to the State championships this weekend. That in itself has occupied us a lot during the last month. 

My lawn is going to be the Bain of my existence this year as we have worked very hard to fill stump holes where trees were removed last fall and planted grass then we proceeded to have over 25 days of drought. The drought then accelerated the spread of the cotton wood tree seeds which covered my lawn to look like a snow storm in the middle of May. If anyone has cotton wood trees where they live you know that the fluffy seed blows in the air and accumulates everywhere sticking to everything. Now consider that we pay a good price to have a beautiful yard (no weeds and lush green grass) and you can appreciate our delimma when it comes to removing the cottonwoods from everywhere, watering the new grass seed, cutting grass, etc. 

Did I mention that two spindles on my zero turn mower have finally worn out causing us to replace two of the three. While we did that we also replace the drive and mower deck belts, installed new blades, and performed a complete tune-up including draining all fluids to replace with new, replaced all filters (oil, fuel, hydraulic, air), spark plugs, etc. Of course we had to wait for some of the parts to arrive after ordering them so I watched my yard molt into a white bed of cotton wood. Having had enough of that, I decided to push mow more then one and a half acres with hills. Being well over 60 years old and having terrible feet, ankles and knees; that lawn cutting put me down for two days. 

Then there's my mid-life crisis going on concerning weather I should keep my Harley and sport bike with side car or should I sell them and get a simple sports car (like a Corvette)? We have been looking and I can tell you that it isn't as easy as it used to be getting into a low slung sports car. Add to that the fact that the new mid-engine corvette's doors are at least 8-10 inches shorter than the 2019 and older Corvettes. So where does the leave me? I fully serviced the sport bike and side car including new tires and I'm enjoying them both while I can. 

In between all of that stuff I committed to build a 1990 Corvette ZR-1 in 1/24 scale to the exact look of a lady friend and her fiancee's car. It started as a very basic promo car consisting of no more than 16 parts (including light lenses). So the challenge was to add detail where there was none. What soft detail was there was very difficult to pick out. Well, the first part was painting the very soft plastic body that was a sea weed green to a black. If you never painted a high gloss black car body, it is not easy as it shows every minute imperfection. After four attempts I used what was there by polishing it out and clear coating it. Next was detailing and painting the sea weed interior various shades of gray. During the process I even got a photo of his license plate to print to scale for the car. Well, enough of this, here is the completed Corvette in its presentation case, ready to surprise him on Father's Day. 









Did I mention that I was joining a church praise band to use my percussion skills for a good purpose (since I no longer do public performances). This is a group that performs current Christian pop music and praise music that the congregation sings with.
The last couple weeks I spent some time studying the set lists (music they perform and the arrangements). To me musically there is nothing worse that a musician who does not come to a practice prepared and ready to contribute. While that took hours learning all of that I can safely say I've been welcomed into the team. 

So now you know why the updates have been slower than my normal;.... life happens. 

Let's talk about our friend Sherman. Since last update Jarrod and I managed to get the decals on, added the pioneer tools including scratch built tie-down straps made of tooling lead sheet and spare PE. In the photos you can also see some chipping of the decals, a flat top coat, and the beginning of some weathering initially with the darker wash in specific areas, and some mud where dirty boots moved on the tank. There is still much to do, but here it is where Jarrod and I have it at this point: 










Jarrod and I were also able to paint the tracks with a flat black base coat (using my M.O. of going from darker to lighter colors). We will be spending some time on them to add rust where it needs, dirt and mud and even bare metal where it contacts the ground and sprockets, etc. 

Our next update will most likely be after we return from a short trip to our friends cabin for the weekend. Till then, take care of yourself where ever you are, live, laugh, and love well, and build a model! 

Ben and Jarrod

Wow you guys have been hard at work!  Looking great

   Your logic is sound sir. I tell myself that all the time LOL. I'm thinking already about going in 2024, who knows WHAT will be available by then

Armor it, you're probably right but the "Mrs." Says that my stash is too large and I'm "hoping" that by the 2024 Nationals that I'll be able to get a great deal on one

tjs

   Looking good fellas, you guys are in the home stretch now. Looking forward to pulling out mine thanks to your WIP.

    Why wait Tom?? Unless it is a shipping issue pull the trigger

Very cool project, coming along beautifully, excellent work.

Ben & Jarrod: She's lookin' great! 

One of the guys in our club builds a lot of 1/16th armour, he weathers his with real mud and dirt. To be honest I think you guys have a better idea though, the real thing is a bit overscale even in 1/16th... 

Great update Ben,moving along nicely.

This project's progress is really moving along and looks fantastic.  I really enjoy following yours & Jarrod's work.  My hope is to pick up this kit at the 2024 Nationals in Madison!  Can't wait for your next update!

tjs

Thanks everyone, and just to let you know that we are still alive a have just a couple photos of the painting process so far....

On a side note, I was commissioned to modify an old dealer promo car into a near exact replica of somebody's 1992 Corvette ZR1. So I've also been working on it along with the regular outdoor actives of spring, so the model building on the Sherman has been slow. 

Last update you saw the base OD Green on the Sherman. Since then we have continued on the road wheels, bogies, sprockets, idler wheels, basically the lower half of the tank. Jarrod and I wanted to make a convincing " in use" model so the dirt and mud had to be added during the build phase. Looking over the various photos if a Sherman with the HVSS suspension in the field you can clearly see that the dirt, grass, mud, etc. is pretty much everywhere on the tracks, inside the tracks (on the suspension), and the lower hull and under the fenders, along with any where it can be flung when moving at speed. 

So Jarrod and I started on the weathering in earnest as part of the assembly process as it would be difficult to reach between the bogies and idler wheels to make the hull look correct after assembly. We started with a couple washes going from darker to lightest color (MM-rubber, Vallejo signal brown, and sand). After that was a dry brush of OD then Khaki green. This was done to both sides of the HVSS suspension as well as the road wheels. Finally Jarrod and I added a bit of weathering to add some bare metal on the inside of the road wheels and on the sprocket teeth were they contact the track guides and links.  



NOTE: Most detail images of the actual sprockets will show only the top of the sprocket tooth being worn to bare metal while the lowest portion between the teeth are usually quite rusty or dirty. We chose to add a small amount of diluted rust brown to the lower area between the teeth. 

Next we started on the more solid stuff by using Vallejo dark wet, and medium brown mud. When adding this stage you need to be very careful not to add the weathering compounds to the attach point of the bogies or spindles for the idlers and sprockets, etc. I found that placing one of the assembled bogies less road wheels into position on the hull and tracing around the contact area with a lead pencil gave me the location points we needed to stay away from when adding the mud. Once the bogies are attached we would then finalize the mud around the attach points (minor finishing work). I should add that Jarrod really likes adding the mud. Here is a where we are at for a dirty HVSS track system (less the track).



Moving on, we've all been adding some of the main sub-assemblies so we can top coat and begin the decals and basic weathering. This photo shows the functional driver and machine gunners hatches added.



The kit provides four different decal sets for specific vehicles assigned to various units. Now that the 1/16 Sherman model has been out for some time, there are also other decals set available to purchase. We think we are going to go with the kit decals. 

Next update will show the ones we selected along with perhaps some weathering beginning on the hull and turret. And lets not forget about the tracks!

Till then, thanks for following along. take care and happy modeling. Replies are always welcome (encouraged)

Ben and Jarrod

   Outta da paark, fellas, really convincing work on the figs. I just kearned that 120mm is VERY close to 1/16th. Looking forward to seeing this one finished up, great work guys.

Ben & Jarrod: Nice work on the figures, they're coming along well! 

Wow,those guys look great !!!

Thanks Armornut, the funny thing regarding the figures, as Jarrod and I googled for them it eventually pointed me to E-Bay. They came from China and both have a kind of Saving Private Ryan vibe to them. The mold quality is wonderful and the facial detail very convincing. 

Appreciate the positive support Gamera. 

We looked at several actual war time photos to get the image in my mind of what a battle hardened M4 turret should look like. I sure wish they had a full interior set available for this kit, but the price would've most likely been double of the existing cost (can't afford that anyway). 

As promised, here is some of the work Jarrod and I accomplished once we had time for the hobby......

Here are some of the figures, they are still a work in progress. I guess you could tell that because they are all headless   

Ranger BAR Gunner, still need to pick out the details and shade the trousers more in the front:





Ranger Captian, Pointing ( perhaps he was from West Point, that's a funny)     



Looks like we need to touch up the butt of the Thompson MG. along with the sling and other stuff:



And the Tank Commander. Jarrod and I chose a real leather jacket look instead of the tanker material/color.



The boots and leggings will be finalized using washes and Tamiya weathering pastels.

In addition, here is some of the extra stowage we are working on. We hope that with just a little touch-up or correction left we can call them complete:











The canvas main gun shroud (WIP too, as we need to lighten it up a little still with air brush and dry brush):



Jarrod and I also got a couple hours of time today to paint the OD Green base coat on the Sherman. The inside lights make the base coat look lighter than it really is. 





Not a big fan of masking all the periscopes and cupola but you can't argue with the results. 



We will be giving the base coat a couple days to dry then the final assembly and detailing will commence. Thanks for following along and remember, comments always welcome as I read them to Jarrod (He enjoys it). 

Ben and Jarrod (DRUMS01)

WOW GUYS!! that looks AWESOME. Where did ya find the extra figs?

    You are not far off the mark about OD, not sure even the Quartermasters could tell you what color it was. Application technique, thinner, if used, weather, soot, and various other fluids diluted the color. Looking foward to starting mine you guys are an insperation.

Great to see you guys back with this! Figures are fun, really annoying but fun. 

I wouldn't worry too much about the exact shade of OD green either. As the earlier thread listed it did vary, and vary a lot. 

Jarrod and I finally got a little time at the bench. Before we start on the exterior of the Sherman we needed to paint the internal areas, including the main gun assembly so the kit could be buttoned up. Here are some photos of the completed main gun to include the 30 cal turret machine gun.









Along the way we've also managed to purchase other items to add to the build, including additional figures.



Looking at their faces, they must all be brothers (smile). Working on that...




Next we found some rank/grade and unit markings for the figures.



During that process we lucked upon some 1/16 WW2 ration boxes too.



The colors we are looking to duplicate for the crew are found in these pictures.







For the exterior of the tank Jarrod and I decided to use a rattle can for the big parts and then airbrush the smaller assemblies. One thing we found out is that the availability of spray can hobby colors is more difficult than it used to be. Vallejo for example had numerous WW2 greens for British, French, Russian, and German colors, but we were hard pressed to locate Olive Drab Green. Same for MIG or AK. Tamiya had two separate sites that only had one can each, but the cost plus shipping and tax was crazy (?). Finally, we were able to locate Model Master Enamel OD Green in two small hobby size cans. The good thing, combined they were half the cost of one can of Tamiya. 

Have you ever noticed that there is more than one shade of both Olive Drab and OD Green? I guess there is some debate on which OD green is the "most" correct. But then I think about the vendors used in WW2 and the massive amount of paint used. There was undoubtedly various shades of OD and OD Green. To add on that, the wear (sun, dirt, weather, battle, etc.) also had an effect on the colors. So, with all this said, we are not overly concerned on the tint or shade of the color in the Model Master can's. 

While waiting for the OD Green spray to arrive we started painting the extra "add-on" bits and crew. Next update will show them, till then... 

Ben and Jarrod

Good to hear that! Take your time, you guys were chugging along so fast though that I was worried something had happened.