SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

Enter keywords or a search phrase below:

Dragon Sherman IC Hybrid Firefly - WIP Update 11.07.12

17233 views
68 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Rugby, England
Posted by Hinksy on Monday, June 4, 2012 3:59 PM

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? Tongue Tied

I'd appreciate your input chaps!

Many thanks,

Ben Yes

 

On the Bench - Dragon Pz. IV Ausf. G (L.A.H.) Yes

Your image is loading...

 

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Monday, June 4, 2012 2:40 PM

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

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Rugby, England
Posted by Hinksy on Monday, June 4, 2012 2:37 PM

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 Wink

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 Toast

On the Bench - Dragon Pz. IV Ausf. G (L.A.H.) Yes

Your image is loading...

 

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Monday, June 4, 2012 1:21 PM

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.

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Rugby, England
Posted by Hinksy on Monday, June 4, 2012 12:10 PM

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 Sad

I want a big, flag waving BRITISH Firefly!

Cheers fellas,

Ben Toast

On the Bench - Dragon Pz. IV Ausf. G (L.A.H.) Yes

Your image is loading...

 

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Spring Branch, TX
Posted by satch_ip on Monday, June 4, 2012 6:48 AM

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

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: On my kitchen counter top somewhere in central North Carolina.
Posted by disastermaster on Sunday, June 3, 2012 10:19 PM

Hinksy

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

http://th827.photobucket.com/albums/zz192/denistephenson/SMALL%20STUFF/th_32.gifBut I bet you forgot this......

    http://images.schoolinsites.com/cache/School_3146/7d760f29ded8610fb8551bf5dfbb4838.jpg

  Here’s how I assemble bogies on a Sherman…….
       http://th636.photobucket.com/albums/uu83/ratz4me/Albums%20sorted%20neatly/Smileys/B%20-%20smileys/th_winking.gif  and manage to paint and weather everything separately.

 
  The left view shows the inner and outer parts glued together. The right view shows how the parts are modified so you can slip the return rollers in after they are painted separately.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1df31b3127ccefc40e1cf4d4200000050O02AZuWLds2asge3nw8/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
 
 Same thing here for the larger lower wheels.
But first razor saw a slot to relieve the stress .......  
http://th80.photobucket.com/albums/j176/B-Electronic/Smileys/th_bloodysmiley.gif
                       - careful here.              
                                  
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1df22b3127ccefc52a764ada900000100O02AZuWLds2asge3nw8/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
 
 Then I use side cutters to cut the majority of the material out.
   I refine the cuts closer with a fingernail clipper, then use a sanding stick to smooth off the nubs.
     Leave about a sixteenth inch each side…… no problem to slide the wheels in after painting.
 
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1df31b3127ccefc40d950ccf100000060O02AZuWLds2asge3nw8/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
 

                      
http://th1030.photobucket.com/albums/y362/TzaCaNeL95/Smileys/th_bestr0024.gif Takes out ALL the pain.  http://th290.photobucket.com/albums/ll279/Inga_May/smileys/th_zh_smile0032.gif

 https://i.imgur.com/LjRRaV1.png

 

 

 
  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Rugby, England
Posted by Hinksy on Sunday, June 3, 2012 6:08 PM

Thanks Garrand,

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

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 Toast

On the Bench - Dragon Pz. IV Ausf. G (L.A.H.) Yes

Your image is loading...

 

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Lehigh Valley PA
Posted by garrand on Sunday, June 3, 2012 5:23 PM

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.

"Nicht kleckern, klötzen!"

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Rugby, England
Dragon Sherman IC Hybrid Firefly - WIP Update 11.07.12
Posted by Hinksy on Sunday, June 3, 2012 4:01 PM

Hi lads,

Following the completion of my StuG III C/D build for the Pz III GB I'm going to finally start work on my Firefly!

I'm going to start a few bits tomorrow and read up on the IC Firefly as I'm a real newbie when it comes to Allied armour.

I'll be building OOB except for an RB Firefly barrel - that 17ib'er barrel is a real bad boy and will look killer in metal!

I'll be using the DS tracks as they are fine and I think the markings will make her a 1945 Coldstream Guards vehicle. There are also options for Polish vehicles too.

The link below shows the kit in great detail - please take a look!

http://www.dragon-models.com/html/6228poster.htm

I do have one question for all you Shermaholics out there - the build is a Drab Green but what methods do you use to paint the rubber on the road wheels following assembly of the suspension/wheels?

Cheers guys,

Ben Toast

On the Bench - Dragon Pz. IV Ausf. G (L.A.H.) Yes

Your image is loading...

 

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

SEARCH FORUMS
FREE NEWSLETTER
By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. View our Privacy Policy.