Hi,

On a kit like this, especially as it uses DS tracks, I would leave the road wheels to rotate after assembly. Not only will this help in getting all the nooks painted after assembly, but if you're careful, you can hold the paintbrush steady and rotate the wheel instead. Make sure to use thinned flat black paint (I use Testors Flat Black acryl thinned close to 50% with rubbing alcohol). I'd then mount the DS tracks after assembly/painting is done. 

Damon.

Thanks Garrand,

I've looked at various options and it does seem to be the only way of doing it effectively! Good call

The one thing that does let this kit down is the notable lack of marking options. The big yellow Polish Markings look great but, tbh, I want to build a commonwealth Firefly.

The supplied markings for the Coldstream Guards are poor and I'd like to see some markings for other Brit or Canadian units.

Can anyone help on this front?  Suggestions or photos etc? Maybe someone can point me in the direction of some suitable Archer transfers?

Many thanks,

Ben

Hinksy

I've looked at various options..........

But I bet you forgot this......

  Here’s how I assemble bogies on a Sherman…….
         and manage to paint and weather everything separately.

 Same thing here for the larger lower wheels.
But first razor saw a slot to relieve the stress .......  

                       - careful here.              

                       Takes out ALL the pain. 

Ben, Bison makes some for the Firefly as well as Archer.  Most are for the Vc but both variants were mixed about in units.

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/bison/bd35011.htm

When I get home I'll see what I have in my box left from the kit that I built.

Satch

Thanks guys,

DM - that's a superb way of doing things. Your post printed and put in with the kit!

Satch - If you could assist with Decals in any way that would be GREAT. Were the Brit 7th Armoured (Desert Rats) equipped with Fireflys at any point. I'd love a 7th armoured Fiirefly. Told you I don't know much about Allied Armour!

Check out the link on my original post that takes you to the Dragon web page for the decal options - poor imo

I want a big, flag waving BRITISH Firefly!

Cheers fellas,

Ben

That's awesome Ben!!!

Don't know if they ever carried them as air ID markings but she'd look so cool with a big Union flag spread across the engine deck.

Gamera

That's awesome Ben!!!

Don't know if they ever carried them as air ID markings but she'd look so cool with a big Union flag spread across the engine deck.

Hey Gam,

It definately would look very cool!

Luckily the decals have me covered as far as aerial markings go with a large white star in a circle to go on the engine deck.

I'm hoping to make a start tomorrow. Nothing major, just some basics. I was going to start her today but decided to have one more hit at my Pz III GB StuG III C/D and as I also bought a new camera today I had to write a final completed build post! Check it out if you can.

So, the decals are the only thing at the minute but if problems arise I shall ask away and hope for the best - I know you guys always come through 

What's the 'recognised' colour for a Brit Firefly? Is it a simple Olive Drab or can I be a bit more inventive than that? 

Thanks guys,

Ben

Ben I picked up the DML M4A3 so i'm sure I can benefit by following along your build.

I have a link on my home computer to a Steve Zaloga article on painting OD,I'm sure you will find it helpful

satch_ip

Ben, Bison makes some for the Firefly as well as Archer.  Most are for the Vc but both variants were mixed about in units.

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/bison/bd35011.htm

 When I get home I'll see what I have in my box left from the kit that I built.

Satch

Hi guys,

Just so you can see what decal options I do have I have taken a couple of photos:

• Coldstream Guards, Germany, 1945 (either 2 Charlie or 2 Alpha)

The other two are Polish Markings which would be cool - if I wanted a Polish tank! If you look at the Coldstream Tank what on earth is that white marking on the left hand side, both at the rear on the vertical armour and the fuzzy lettering on the welded-on armour plate further up the tank? They actually call this out to be painted white - surely this must be an error?

I'd appreciate your input chaps!

Many thanks,

Ben

Here's that OD article:

http://www.militarymodelling.com/news/article.asp?a=4536

Tojo72

Here's that OD article:

http://www.militarymodelling.com/news/article.asp?a=4536

Cheers Tojo - that is REALLY helpful!

I do feel that seeing it's Jubilee Year AND the 2012 London Olympics a British Sherman Firefly is a perfect build and the timing is great too.

I'm looking for suitable replacement waterslide decals or Transfers that I can buy but I don't know where to start really. Can anyone help on that front please?

Many thanks,

Ben

You have my attention!  It should be a fun build for everybody to follow especially that we rarely see a Firefly WIP here at FSM unlike other forums especially MidMol.  

Remember to take your time to build it so it will come out great.  Good luck mate!

deafpanzer

You have my attention!  It should be a fun build for everybody to follow especially that we rarely see a Firefly WIP here at FSM unlike other forums especially MidMol.  

Remember to take your time to build it so it will come out great.  Good luck mate!

Thankyou Andy,

I know this is my first ever Sherman based build (there was that 1/48 Tamiya Firefly that I built when I was a newbie but that has long since served as a test bed for new methods and I no longer have that.

This afternoon I made a start as promised - section one deals with the VVSS Suspension Assembly and the assembly of the two Drive Sprockets.

As you can see in the photo they are fully workable and look good - in total I spent 2 1/2 hours on these. Each assembly consists of 12 parts that all need a good clean up.

I like to sit down at the beginning of each session and look at the build guide and say to myself "I want to get to that point before I finish today" and today I did - section one only covers the assembly of the 6 x Suspension assemblies and 2 x Drive Sprockets. I always highlight where I'm up to on the instructions after each session and write notes etc.

Section two covers some more basic assemblies the one section further on goes crazy and gets really busy - it could have done with being broken down into three smaller sections really, I guess they were trying to save paper!

 On the decal front I've found what I want. Perhaps someone has these decals that they could spare?

http://www.militarymodelling.com/sites/1/images/member_albums/66531/1rtrsherman1ch.jpg

Many thanks guys,

Take care,

Ben

Ben, I've returned home and checked my stash.  I have a set of 3rd County of London Yeomanry, 4th Arm Bde decals I can send you. 

Looks sorta like this...

BRILLIANT SATCH!

This is great stuff! You have saved my life!

You have pm!

Ben

Ben

This site has a list of fixes that deal with most of the assembly foibles of Dragon Shermans.  I'm not sure he deals with issues specific to this kit, but it is pretty comprehensive.  I hope there's something there you can use.  Good luck.  We can never see enough Fireflies on these boards

http://paulbudzik.com/tools-techniques/Sherman%20Construction/sherman-construction.html

Bill

Thank you Buff,

It's not my kit BUT the VVSS suspension builds up the same and other parts like the turret are similar.

The one great thing on there is a link to assembling PE Fenders for Dragon Shermans. I have the choice of both and would like to use the PE but the stuff scares me!

Thanks again - this will come in handy!

I'm working from home today so will be doing some more work on her tomorrow.

I've got the decal issue sorted too; right down to the 'Antifreeze - Do Not Drain' warning on the port side.

WIP update tomorrow,

Take care,

Ben

Good afternoon fellas,

Here's the usual weekend update - I worked from home yesterday 2pm-10pm so didn't manage to get any model work done.

Last week I had completed all of the six suspension assemblies and two drive sprockets and the rest of that instruction section (1) was devoted to the front and rear assemblies and the fixing of the running gear to the lower hull. I've got that out of the way now and that's section 1 complete which means I can put the lower hull aside and concentrate on the turret and upper hull.

So, the nose section is on and the rear section with the air filters is assembled too. Knowing that I the next stage will be the upper hull I've chopped that from the sprue, given it a quick clean-up and test fitted it and it fits like a glove. Obviously it's dry-fitted for the photo so I can put the lower hull away now and start ont the upper hull.

I've got to order an RB Firefly Barrel and suitable Antennae but that's it for AM. I've tried fitting the kit DS tracks as I've read in a few reviews that they are too long but they fit PERFECTLY which is a relief!

Section 2 covers assembly of the upper hull and hatches etc. This is where the instructions fall down a little as they try to cram FAR too much into each step! Imo instead of the 6 steps there should be 10 well spaced out assembly instructions so it's just a case of ensuring each little bit is highlighted on the instructions is marked off as it is fitted.

After my build for Tigermans 'Steel Cat's' GB I think I'm definately going to try a few more Allied builds. I fancy Tasca's Jumbo Sherman for a start and I'm not forgetting the Bronco Comet with Accurate Armour resin upgrade set that I have in the stash either!

Anyway, so far-so good! No fitment issues and she's building up nicely - I hope you like her so far!

Today's brief 4 hour session took me to this point-we had family visitors so I had to stop at a good section - the final part of assembly where the lower hull is totally completed:

Note - Tracks are not glued yet! Just dry fitted to test shape and left there for the photos!

Note - upper hull testfitted and left on for photos, she isn't glued in place yet!

1/35 Verlinden OD Netting - perfect for stowage (does this need to be painted in any way)

Well, that's her so far and despite my earlier 'concerns' about this being a 'horrific brain-busting' Dragon build I think I'm wrong - the instructions just made it appear that way. It's so far been a really enjoyable assembly. Just dry fit everything and treble check the instructions before commiting parts to glue!

I hope you like her so far guys

WIP update next weekend - I'm not working either so I'm hoping to get a fair bit done!

Have a good week guys and take care!

Ben

Excellent work on the wheels!  They look great and it is nice that you didn't have to use aftermarkets.  Maybe I am having second thoughts about not buying a Firefly kit now...

Camo netting from Verlinden looks good too!  

Loving it Ben! 

Andy, you have to buy one of these.  They can be had for a song.  I picked one up on a Squadron sale for $12.

satch_ip

Loving it Ben! 

Andy, you have to buy one of these.  They can be had for a song.  I picked one up on a Squadron sale for $12.

Yup,

You'll love this Andy - there's plenty of PE supplied and the cast texture is great on the turret etc but a brushing of Mr Surfacer 500 always helps.

The tracks are fine(as you can see) and mine at least are in no way too long like a lot of people have said (if they were it's a simple job to shorten). The only aftermarket item I'll need is a replacement barrel but the kit one is one piece but with a split muzzle brake so it's fine. A metal barrel will look really good though

If this paints up like it builds up I'll be putting this on a base and buying an AM Brit commander figure from Alpine like the figure you had Andy. I think a Brit tank on a base in our house will be great plus it will be a real talking point due to my Grandfathers Tank antics in North Africa and in France following D-Day (unknown if he drove a standard Sherman but my somewhat 'old and forgetful' Great Uncle seems to think he drove a 'long barreled Sherman'? Could be a Comet I suppose butI'll be sure to paint the figure like my Grandad looked.

$12 Satch! When my parents bought me this for Christmas at the end of 2010 it was £50 less %10 from my somewhat expensive LHS. I only use them for paints now!

WIP update at the weekend!

Take care,

Ben

Ben, did the decals make it there yet?

Hey Satch,

My apologies-they arrived yesterday but I got out of work so late last night I didn't have time to fire the computer up and pm you and just passed out! God I'm busy at the minute!

They are a cracking selection - excellent.

It was interesting to see the instructions you sent - back in 1996 they had a nice well spread out layout of the various steps. In my 2010 Smart Kit they have crammed it all onto 3 sides of paper? EVERYTHING on the sheet has to be highlighted with a pen when fitted or you'd just lose yourself. I don't recall any paper shortage being announced?

I'm not sure exactly what's going to be done yet but they'll prove to be VERY handy and some of the leftovers can be used on my Jeep which is on hold

Much appreciated buddy!

I'll be doing a bit on her tomorrow so be sure to check in

Ben

Ben

Glad I could help.  That's what friends are for, even if they are forum friends!

Hi guys,

Here's the usual Saturday update - got a nice bit done today:

Up to today the running gear was sorted and the lower hull too. Today I wanted to get started on the upper hull which meant PE, hatches, hinges, lights, light guards and rear engine deck.

Keeping it brief - the lights are all in place along with them big grab handles. A buddy here in England who has really helped me with this build pointed out that as there was no co-driver in a Firefly (hence the lack of a Bow MG) I should assemble the hatch for the co-driver with closed Periscopes and leave the Periscopes visible on driver side only - I'd have assembled all the Periscopes so this advice was well received. I checked a few photos of WWII machines and the majority of these IC's were as he said.

The hatches were a real PITA to assemble - I don't know why but they didn't go together well (hence the messy photo which shows a slight 'over use' of glue on the hatches  With that all done I replaced the plastic grab handles on the hatches which were really skinny plastic affairs with fine Brass rod bent to shape. 

Finally the rear intakes with PE mesh were fitted along with the rear deck.

Here you go - it doesn't look much but this little bit of work took a good few hours in the end!

The mega-busy instructions that have to be kept well marked as the pieces are fitted! 

The next stage is assembly of the.50cal and then turret assembly.

The kit has built up really well and a LOT quicker than I thought - great fun! I must get round to ordering that replacement barrel.

Hope you like her so far. Tomorrow I'll get that .50 assembled which is quite an involved build in itself and see if I can make a start of the turret.

Question: Those who have built the Fireflys have you painted them in OD or have you used different shades of green? Bronze Green get's a lot of mentioning whener a British build is talked about? I know Bronco call out for Bronze Green on their Comet which is in my stash. I'm also wondering that these are coming in from the States - are they left as they are received before being turned into Fireflys and welded etc? 

I'll have some more to show tomorrow.

Cheers guys,

Ben  

Looking real good... I see fair amount of PE coming with the set.  Wish I can answer your question but I haven't built a British armor yet. LOL 

Are you planning to use the 50 cal kit part or aftermarket kit? 

deafpanzer

Looking real good... I see fair amount of PE coming with the set.  Wish I can answer your question but I haven't built a British armor yet. LOL 

Are you planning to use the 50 cal kit part or aftermarket kit? 

Cheers Andy,

The kit piece is very good and is quite an involved little assembly with PE used on the mount and the barrel looks great so it's more than enough. A brass .50 would look great but this is fine and I don't feel the extre expense is warranted.

A new barrel and correct antennae will be fine

Busy instructions eh? I've noticed just now that I missed off the left side light guard and the two little filler caps on the rear deck!

I'm getting better with the PE but it's still a real PITA! I wanted to use the PE option for the headlight guards but lets just say I was better off with the plastic option after many messy failed attempts! I got the matching two assembled but next to each other they looked totally different and let the vehicle down imo

If anyone can put me on the right direction re the paint colour I'd be super grateful!

So far I've decided on standard XF-62 Olive Drab and have found a great magazine article that shows the author using OD mixed with a little 'Tamiya Sky' (XF number unknown of the top of my head) and also Dark Green used to darken the initial colour so he could use a take on the colour modulation technique - a skill that I'm keen to master.

I've got a few things to do today so time is at a premium - I'll fix those missed parts from yesterday and sort the MG out then that will leave me with the turret to start on next weekend! Sounds like a plan

Money is in short supply but I need that new barrel so luckily pay day is on Thursday which means I can get the barrel ordered on Thursday and with will be here ready for the turret build next weekend.

Ben, I think I used Tamiya Khaki Drab with some Life Color OD modulation.

Here's a bit of info I came across sometime waaay back.

  Bronze Green was used in three different shades on prewar British armor, but was replaced with a medium brown (dubbed SCC 2) in 1942, as the chemicals needed to produce green pigments were in short supply.

To confuse you further......(and this is probably the way to go)

 In 1944, a new color, SCC15 was introduced, which was nicknamed Khaki Drab or British Olive Drab because of its resemblance to the US shade (there was no official name, as the British authorities had decided that wartime paints should be known by number only).

 And then, and then, and then..........

 US-made equipment was normally left in American No. 9 Olive Drab, but rebuilt equipment (like the Firefly) had to be repainted using British paint stocks.

So, to sum it up.......

  the good news first....

Pactra Artillery Olive is the correct/perfect color.

The bad news...... 

It's been out of production about 18 years.

 Then, the good news again.... 

   If you're gonna weather it then don't sweat it too much.

    Gotta run for now......