Utoshita wrote:

Can you please enlighten me, what are the 4 holes you have drilled out in the boogies? Again, please excuse my ignorance With Kind Regards Utoshita

If I recall correctly, the central "body" of the bogie is symmetrical and can be used on either side of the vehicle. However, to do so requires that the "arm" supporting the return roller and the skid plate be mounted on the opposite side. The four bolt holes facilitate the "reversed" mounting of the return roller arm.

Schnobs wrote:

Yes they are and I beleive strongly that the same guy who writes the assembly instuctions for DML moonlights at Ikea.

I've yet to build a single DML kit that didn't have at least 1 error in the instructions somewhere. Sometimes the error is just a simple mis-numbering of a part (i.e. B58 when there is no B58 on the sprues)...sometimes it's much more serious as the case here where parts are reversed or not called out at all. I'll never forget the gold standard of errors...the Luftwaffe version of the 251/17...there was an error in EVERY SINGLE step with some steps committing multiple fouls along the way.  

You are doing a great job getting around the DML fubar instruction syndrome. Nice detail work.

Rounds Complete!!

Thanks Phil for answering Utoshita's question very accurately I might add.  You helped me with my T-34 as well as this kit so thank you squared my friend. 

hughes2682 wrote:

Phil-H, You are correct in regards to the symmetrical bogie. Ed, Sorry about the surgery you had to perform on the Sherm. Dragon is renowned for these sorts of boo-boo's in their instructions. Don't get me wrong. Their kits can build up into some very nice pieces. But the instructions can make you want to grab an oaken plank and start chanting "mea culpa" and thwacking your head with it. Ask me how I know. In all it is coming along nicely. Cheers Dave

Cheers Dave!  Another pet peeve I have is why don't they call out the actual part name as well as the spruce designation it would be very helpful, but I guess that's why we have internet connections for the 1-2 hours of research to mount one part!

Hey Edmund, 

I had an idea about using putty as weld seams, I think I came up with it but may have just read it somewhere, if that's the case I apologize, I have never even tried it yet anyway:

Use some masking or electrical tape to make a mask leaving only the weld area exposed, then lay down your putty, then skim it so it's the correct depth, then, before it sets up, but after it starts to get thick, pull the tape.

Maybe you could be a guinea pig?

Bill   

Absolutely Bill that sounds like a great approach I will log it and post it.

Peace!

Schnobs wrote:

Thanks Phil for answering Utoshita's question very accurately I might add.  You helped me with my T-34 as well as this kit so thank you squared my friend.

Hey Edmund,

More than happy to help, my friend.

Though I'm not a great Sherman fan (blasphemy!! ), I do like the look of the "long gun" versions and have several waiting in the wings, so I am watching your build with interest.

Hey Phil!

One think I have learned so far is Sherman fans are hard core!

I am enjoying learning about this green machine.  I just spent hours removing bolt heads for sand gaurds and redrilling mounting holes followed by the the filling in of the recessed weld seams on the upper turret and making new more pronounced weld seams with Milliput and a hobby knife. This is just to "correct" the kits shortcoming so I can start mounting Formations Detail set.

Before:

After:

Hey Edmund,

Yep, the OD fans are definitely hardcore, but it's great to have them here to share their knowledge.

Your weld line work is looking good. I just checked one of my kits (M4A3 76 "Battle of The Bulge") and it has recessed welds too, so it looks like I'll have to do something similar when it makes it to the bench Same with  the Tamiya M4A3 which I picked up to get a feel for the Sherman. Oh well...

Phil_H wrote:

Hey Edmund, Yep, the OD fans are definitely hardcore, but it's great to have them here to share their knowledge. Your weld line work is looking good. I just checked one of my kits (M4A3 76 "Battle of The Bulge") and it has recessed welds too, so it looks like I'll have to do something similar when it makes it to the bench Same with  the Tamiya M4A3 which I picked up to get a feel for the Sherman. Oh well...

Absolutely!

LOL!  If I have learned any thing else it is buy Tasca for Shermans or go pound sand!!! 

Build Update:

I managed to complete some upper hull details and to assemble the upper and lower hulls.

I admit I had a lot of frustration and needed another hand to mount the transmission cover.  It doesn't make any sense to me that they would build it like this. I kept on challenging my Sherman expert on why in God's name they would build something so silly. No offense to you Sherman guys I am just way out of my comfort zone I guess.  He says it was to make maintenence easier and I say Silly!!!

Here is where it is so far and I had tear it apart twice to fnally get it right! (I Hope!)

Looking good so far Edmund.

Rob

Thanks for the support Jim, Rob & Scott!

Build Update:

I was not happy with the end result of the transmission cover assembly  and also noticed three prominent sink marks on the inside of each of the two ribs in front so I ripped it apart for the tird time.  I was also not happy with the gaps so I applied some Milliput and Mr. Surfacer and tried it again.

I also applied multiple coats of Mr Surfacer to the Turret in order to bring out more of the texture of cast. Assembly should pick up now since most of the major corrections are completed.

I was informed by my Sherman expert via a telephone call that I needed to fill a seam on the turret which I have completed.  Everyone should have a Serhman expert they come in real handy!

Looking good Edmund. From what I can see, your building at a very good pace, one a month. Before you know it you'll be posting the #50.

Keep up the good work.

Rob

This looks great so far, Edmund, I am patiently waiting to see what you do with "plain old OD".

Your attention to detail, as usual, is inspirational.

I think I see some Kleenex in one of the shots, are you under the weather?

J/k, rest up and feel better, this can wait.

Bill  

Thanks for looking Rob.  Well this is my 9th vehicle and I started building end of December last year.  I am coming up on my one year anniversary as a modeler and sometimes I think my head is going to explode!

Citadelgrad87 wrote:

This looks great so far, Edmund, I am patiently waiting to see what you do with "plain old OD". Your attention to detail, as usual, is inspirational. I think I see some Kleenex in one of the shots, are you under the weather? J/k, rest up and feel better, this can wait. Bill

Yes Bill as you know I am home sick and I feel icky!

I was able to get the majority of the hull detail done tonight.  I should be finishing up the remaining details tomorrow.  It's starting to look like a Tank!

Really nice work Edmund! As others have said, I really like the welds and your added texturing on the turret.

This is gonna look great under a coat of OD!

Nate

ANOTHER MODELER WHO COULD CARE LESS ABOUT SPORTS HERE!!!

Edmund, you are a modeling ANIMAL! lol

Good work here on this Sherman--really a conscientious job in correcting and detialing all the littlest shortcomings!

I'm watching this as my work with that ersatz Panther has gotten me into a "OD funk", lol...

Nachtflieger wrote:

Really nice work Edmund! As others have said, I really like the welds and your added texturing on the turret. This is gonna look great under a coat of OD! Nate

Thanks Nate I am trying to take it slow and methodical so I don't miss any of the "corrections" I need to make to the DML kit and also not to fudge anything up because I have never done a Sherman before.  I had mixed feelings about it at first and resented the fact that it was not a German vehicle and designed the same but this guy has it's own charm that's for sure. It's Like a poop covered bulldog it is so ugly and smelly you have to grin and love it anyway.

Bodge wrote:

That looks great even without the paint, the texture is really well done . Great build as allways.

Thanks Andy I use a small piece of packing foam with my tweezers to apply the Mr. Surfacer so I can contol the application and layering.  I think I got that method from either you or Karl it's hard to remember who I learned what form anymore I am just happy I remember the technique!  

Daywalker wrote:

I like this build very much!  Your details of the texture and welds is very good, wish I had addressed those areas on mine.  Excellent work all around!

Thanks Frank! I have really enjoyed following your WIP as I build this up.  It's cool so many Shermans are being built up at the same time I definately don't feel alone!

wbill76 wrote:

Looks like you're rapidly becoming educated on the ins-and-outs of Shermanocology Edmund. The texture and weld seams look sharp, looking forward to seeing this one with paint on.

Hey Bill!  I am checking in with my Sherman expert about twice a day with my laundry list of questions and we argue about next steps at least once a day.  I have these awesome Formations premolded with the music wire embedded into the resin US WWII Antenna Mounts that he will not approve for use becaue the Comonwealth tank used a different antenna mount. 

It's okay he is sending me the correct mounts in the mail because he will go any lengths to be right even on my models! 

Build Update:

My goal today becasue I am still under the weather was to complete the backend details like the the taillights and PE Headlight gaurds. I also mounted two Resicast stowage boxes.

Slow & Steady wins the race!

Build Update:

My goal today becasue I am still under the weather was to complete the backend details like the the taillights and PE Headlight gaurds. I also mounted two Resicast stowage boxes.

Slow & Steady wins the race!

Edmund, looking good overall.....

I hate to tell you this but I believe you forgot the weld detail on the turret cheek armor.  (I wouldn't have brought this up except for the fact that you've gone through so much effort on the welds elsewhere) Looks like you might have it mounted a bit "high" up on the turret too. Here's a pic.