M4A3E8 SHERMAN

Ive recently been able to look at your builds posted here. I must say that your approach to your paint finish and final presentation is exemplary. Though it can add depth and realism , l lean toward avoiding heavy use of mud and dust affects so as to achieve a finish much like yours. Please continue to explain your painting approach and technique with each of your builds , they are inspiring and insightful.

SprueOne

Great paint work on this project.

 

 

Thank you!

RX7850

Ive recently been able to look at your builds posted here. I must say that your approach to your paint finish and final presentation is exemplary. Though it can add depth and realism , lean toward avoiding heavy use of mud and dust affects so as to achieve a finish much like yours. Please continue to explain your painting approach and technique with each of your builds , they are inspiring and insightful.

 

Thank you!  While I'm not opposed to heavy weathering I do think it tends to be over done in a lot of cases.  In diorama situations this type of heavy weathering is called for.  You wouldn't want a mud free tank moving through a muddy field.  Likewise a dust free thank in the desert would strange indeed, but for just displaying the tank by it's self I think a more subtle approach is better.  I can achieve a weathered and well worn look by using different colors of oil pin washes while still being able to see the detail of the piece.  In the end weathering is still a matter of personal taste and the how the model is to be displayed.  Thank you for your interest and I will try to better explain my methods.

Terry

Also, great work on that .50 MG !

I'm only halfway through the thread MrT but it looks amazing!  

Thanks guys!

Awesome work.  I'm expecting that thing to start its Ford GAA and drive right off of your bench.

ridleusmc

Awesome work.  I'm expecting that thing to start its Ford GAA and drive right off of your bench.

 

 

Thanks!

O.O WOW.

Overall that's a 10/10 in my book. Those figures carry this one to the perfect finish.

Like icing on the cake. ;)

M. Brindos

O.O WOW.

Overall that's a 10/10 in my book. Those figures carry this one to the perfect finish.

Like icing on the cake. ;)

 

Thanks Mike!

Exemplary.

templar1099

Exemplary.

 

Thank you!

I'm getting back into the hobby after +8 years, and never really having tried anything such as scratch-builds or modifications. My first build is actually the same kit on the way now. This will be extremely helpful and I can't wait to get started. I already have a bunch of stupid questions so please enlighten me. Maybe you can even point me in the direction of more detailed instructions or videos.

My first question is.. did you paint the lower half with the wheels on or off? I'm assuming for the sake of less photos you painted the road wheels separately and just included then installed for 1 picture?

Also did you paint the rubber onto the suspension wheels? I can't tell from the picture. Or where they painted the standard drab and then black was dry brushed to give a worn look?

My last dumb question atm is the grab handles. I have never made my own and would like to give that a shot. Any tips and tools on how to help me successful create those? Not sure what size wire to use. BTW..you sherman is beautiful. I can only hope to ever get close your to level of detail and painting ability.

     The excellence is in the all around detail.
                               Beautifully done.

                                                                       

Ceezdup

I'm getting back into the hobby after +8 years, and never really having tried anything such as scratch-builds or modifications. My first build is actually the same kit on the way now. This will be extremely helpful and I can't wait to get started. I already have a bunch of stupid questions so please enlighten me. Maybe you can even point me in the direction of more detailed instructions or videos.

My first question is.. did you paint the lower half with the wheels on or off? I'm assuming for the sake of less photos you painted the road wheels separately and just included then installed for 1 picture?

Also did you paint the rubber onto the suspension wheels? I can't tell from the picture. Or where they painted the standard drab and then black was dry brushed to give a worn look?

My last dumb question atm is the grab handles. I have never made my own and would like to give that a shot. Any tips and tools on how to help me successful create those? Not sure what size wire to use. BTW..you sherman is beautiful. I can only hope to ever get close your to level of detail and painting ability.

 

First thank you for your interest.  To your first question: I painted the lower hull and suspension Tamyia Nato Black after it was assemblied.

Second question: No.  After I was finished applying the the shades of green, washes and dry brushing I gave the rubber wheels a heavy oil wash of Windsor and Newton Mars black to darken the the color.

Third question:  I use approx. .020 inch copper wire and needle nose pliers.  The wire you can get walmart or hobbylobby.  Any craft store should have several different gages of of wire that could used.

I'm sure you will do a great job.

Terry

disastermaster

                    

     The excellence is in the all around detail.
                               Beautifully done.

                                                                       

 

Thanks Steve!

Actually my last question...

I noticed you also added tie downs around the tools.. then straps with buckles..were those PE parts from a site?

Ceezdup

Actually my last question...

I noticed you also added tie downs around the tools.. then straps with buckles..were those PE parts from a site?

 

Yes those were some left over PE parts, but most Sherman PE sets have some straps included.  I have also made them out of lead foil and wire.

Ask as many questions as you want.

I'm a little late to the party. Magnificant. loved the tutorial. It always neat to learn other modelers tricks. I too am in the process of procuring this kit from a seller and this tute will come in handy. Thank you and well done all-around. I too prefer more subtle weathering, but then I don't build dios.

@Ceezdup: regarding the wire handles, small serrated pliers work well.  Since they taper, you can experiment until you find the correct width.  Then take a bit of masking tape and mark off which serration meets your need.  Indeed, you can take two pieces of tape and cover all the jaw serrations you're not going to use.   Thus, you can make a bunch of handles, all the same size.  Hope that helps.

tigerman

I'm a little late to the party. Magnificant. loved the tutorial. It always neat to learn other modelers tricks. I too am in the process of procuring this kit from a seller and this tute will come in handy. Thank you and well done all-around. I too prefer more subtle weathering, but then I don't build dios.

 

Thank you!

T26E4

@Ceezdup: regarding the wire handles, small serrated pliers work well.  Since they taper, you can experiment until you find the correct width.  Then take a bit of masking tape and mark off which serration meets your need.  Indeed, you can take two pieces of tape and cover all the jaw serrations you're not going to use.   Thus, you can make a bunch of handles, all the same size.  Hope that helps.

 

That is a great idea!  Thanks Mr Chow!

So just started on this kit and realized there are no poly caps provided in the box. Anyone have any suggestions on where I can get replacement or if they are even required for a proper build?

Tamiya is closed on weekends so will try calling them on Monday.

Stunning build! I'm just starting this one. Can you tell me, please, what paint make and colours did you use for the tools?

Paolo 67

Stunning build! I'm just starting this one. Can you tell me, please, what paint make and colours did you use for the tools?

 

The metal parts were done with Model Master Gun Metal and dry brushed with silver.  The wood parts were painted with Tamiya flat Flesh and oil washed with Raw Umber.

Thanks!

Thanks, MrT. Yeah, it's the wood I was looking for. Cheers

Paolo 67

Thanks, MrT. Yeah, it's the wood I was looking for. Cheers

 

 

You're welcome!

Just one more question, MrT... Did you prime the Vinyl tracks before applying the Tamiya Dark Iron? If so, what primer did you use?

Many thanks

Paul

Paolo 67

Just one more question, MrT... Did you prime the Vinyl tracks before applying the Tamiya Dark Iron? If so, what primer did you use?

Many thanks

Paul

 

Primed them with Tamiya Nato Black

No problem Paul!

Thank you my friend!