Thanks Greg, I wasn't aware of the different lengths until I put the hulls side by side to compare detail. I wondered why the resin set had some extra track links, so hoping the ten they provided will be enough to make up the difference.  If not, what style track links should I shop for?

Four pieces are now glued together.  I didn't bother sanding too much of the 'yaw' shape of the floor as it won't be noticeable.  Another problem area now is one side wall comes up short, (interestingly it is on the convex side of the curved floor edge).

 Dry fitting the transmission housing, it looks it can be corrected by placing a shim in the space.  Next bench session will take a closer look to see if a little more sanding can close the gap, and make sure every angle is perpendicular.

Won't say I've bit off more than I can chew, but this resin set would be more enjoyable to someone such as a shermaholic - lol.

regards,

Jack

Jack: You probably won't be able to use the Tamiya tracks from the M4 - the M4A4/Sherman Vc had a longer hull than the others in the M4 series.

Hmm, wonder if it warped during cooling maybe? Looking forward to seeing her come together Jack, I've never really used that much resin in a project.

Does look like a bit of bad casting there. I've only used small resin pieces so far, from AM sets. Though I do have a couple of resin aircraft to build. But I see no reason for poor casting like that, especially given the cost of resin. So my guess is poor quality control. Looks like it could have been a wonky mould.

Bish, yes you are right in that the Tamiya Firefly turret is the largest single piece that will be kept with the build.  I know I will also utilize their tracks, wheels and boogies, and a quick glance  shows the resin hull deck requires the crew hull roof hatches as well.  I've also a couple PE sets from Hauler and Part.  As  seen, I've already  attached the AM barrel from Armorscale.

Today I started cleaning up the resin parts.  The hull floor is a bit wonky,  on one side, the center curves outwards, while the opposite is slightly curved in.   Could be just the nature of the beast, or a quality control issue.

regards,

Jack

Looking forward to seeing more of it wayne.

Ohhh very cool Wayne.

field gun. at least some green camo, maybe some brown too. probably not the crew. fixin' to get all the gray painted on the inside and deck of LCVP.

O, nice. Looking forward to seeing this. Are you building one from one of the German Div's or is this a part of the fortifications.

DOH!!!!! cyberhobby 1/35

I just got a message from him as well. Seems he managed to escape Duffy's clutches.

I am assuming the gun is 35th scale, which kit is it.

hey bish

put me down for a german 150mm towed field gun. dark yellow and going to try some freehand A/B camo and also multiple layers of washes as explained in the ARMOR T-62 post

heard from eagle90. he is trying to figure out how to get a SATURN V home from florida.

Raven728

Those finished Steel Cats GB models are unbelievable. Compared to those, my models look like they were built by a hyperactive 6-year-old.

Ye, theres some stunning builds over there. But I am sure yours will be just fine.

Those finished Steel Cats GB models are unbelievable. Compared to those, my models look like they were built by a hyperactive 6-year-old.

Jack, welcome aboard, I like the dedication. So if I am looking at that right, the only part from the Tamiya kit is the turret. I have not done a resin armour kit, will be interesting to see this one. I will add you to the roster.

Thanks jgeratic, I checked out a lot of landing photos and I think the mud looks good but its the sides I really tried to get right.

jibber - like what you did with your LCVP, the dirt/mud effects look very convincing, and congrats on the GB's first completion.

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I'm ready to join in, but the build will also be shared with the Canadian GB - (baring I can meet their deadline).  There should be time for a second build here, so a German subject will be focused exclusively just for the Longest Day GB.

My first entry will be a Firefly Vc in Canadian markings.  The basis is Tamiya's 1/48 Sherman Ic, but I have ordered and received  Tankworkshop's resin combo for the M4A4 in order to conform with the GB's guidelines.

From what I've read, M4A4 type (or V in British parlance) were the first to be converted to the 17 pdr gun. Looking at Canadian OOB's for the first month, all literature points to them as being only this type, with the Ic and Ic hybrids arriving later with other units or as replacements.  I don't mind the conversion though, as I'm not a huge fan of those metals tubs Tamiya has boxed with their 1/48 kits.

regards,

Jack

Good to know.  Thanks, guys.

BB, I have never used an AM Zimm set myself. I like the freedom of doing my own. But I know a lot of the guys use the Atak and cav Zimm sets, they seem to be the most popular.

Doing your own zip is a skill that should be practiced a bit, but of all the zim kits, I like Atak the best. Each piece breaks away from the sheet very clean but it does have a "perfect feel" to it, unlike those guys in the field that put it on by hand. These are just my opinions, there's a lot of guys here with who can help.

Bish - "For someone from a small country like the UK, it can be hard to appreciate just how far away you might be from something that's in your own State. Lets hope it calm down soon."

Too true.  Two people could live in two cities in California and still be 883 miles away from each other.

Here's an interesting graphic: http://mapfight.appspot.com/gb-vs-california/united-kingdom-california-us-size-comparison

Anyway back to models.  Reading all the Zimmerit threads and having not ever attempted it, which of the aftermarket kits is the best?  I saw some pictures of one made by Eduard for the mid prodcuction Tiger that looked pretty good.  I'm wanting to build a Panther or TIger I but am scared of my Dragon kit right now so thought I'd do a Tamiya and add the Zim.  Thoughts?

jibber, nice touch on the jagdtiger. Where are those boots from.

They look nice sets. I have their Pz IV engine, I am using that in one of my Mobelwagens. Unfortunately I got the Verlinden engine for the panther before I found out about the CMK sets, I am just hoping that it fits better than the Tiger one.

I am now using my first CMK set, on my He 111Z, and from what I have seen so far, they are really nice. Unlike the Aires engine sets, the CMK set gives you the painting guide and the resin parts look as good as any others I have seen. And I think this will carry over into the armour sets.

I have quite a few of their aircraft sets, and they are quickly becoming my first choice rather than Aires. And I think the same will apply to armour.

Looking forward to seeing how she comes out Bish, I've been looking at a CMK kit to do an engine compartment for the 1/35th Dragon Panther G kit.

Gamera, thanks. For that one I used the Verlinden set which wasn't the best. For the Pz IV for this GB, I am having the transmission covers open and trying out a CMK set.

A lot more yellow than I've seen in other color pics. I think you've really captured it, I'll work on the decals and helmets. In some other armor builds always try and add something personal such as a back pack, jacket, boots etc. I think it adds a personal touch.  

Jibber: Looks great and congrads on having the first build! The Tamiya zimmerit looks good there. I've used the Cavalier brand and thought it turned out pretty well. Still I think on my next German build I'll probably just go back to the old putty and razor saw technique to make my own.

Bish: She looks great! I still haven't worked up the guts to do a vehicle with the an engine and storage hatches open yet.  

I tried to replicate the real thing as closely as possible, hence the helmets and muzzle cover. The paint scheme isn't 100% but pretty close. Sounds like your making rapid progress on yours.

I normally do my own Zimm with Milliput, sound like the Tamiya one is a bit of a struggle.

This is the first time I've used Tamiya zim, and I must say there's better applications. Each piece must be cut by hand, where others break off but all of it is better that using a flat head or rolling.