Sherman M4A2 '' US Marines'' Academy 13203

[Gary MacKenzie]

[ATTACH alt="330118"]330118[/ATTACH] For a 2004 model kit i am impressed by the quality of the pieces.

Very little flash , and until I got to engine cover stage i had not hit any " Dragon Models " instruction mistakes.

[ATTACH alt="330119"]330119[/ATTACH] The fuel/water tank inlet covers appear to have the handles molded at wrong angle compared to instructions

[ATTACH alt="330120"]330120[/ATTACH] <<< angle the ''handles ???? " end up at

[ATTACH alt="330121"]330121[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH alt="330122"]330122[/ATTACH] However , found a picture online where the ''handles'' are removed / never installed.

More research being done

[Guest]

As far as I know, those “handles” are securing pins that can be (and need to be) pulled out to allow the lid to be opened, and can go in either direction.

[Gary MacKenzie]

Yes.
Problem is most good photos I can find show either broken or without long arm.
I assume long arm versions rotate a cam like lock.
Am going to make new handles/pins and have facing different rotation/direction.

[Gary MacKenzie]

<<< original kit part , pin lhs
[ATTACH width="102px" alt="330442"]330442[/ATTACH] << copper tube to replace pin , to represent pin inserted from rhs side
<< primer coat on

[Gary MacKenzie]

Primer on body.
First set of suspension installed and only body mounted panels plus inner section for all 5 other sections installed.
Will now repaint the underside/body with a second coat , tidy up the painting on the wheels and paint and install the remaining
5 sets.


Large subassemblies done.

Now its just all the litle things needing removed from sprues , painted up and installed.

Then time to weather the vehicle lightly.

[Steve Jones]

Terrific build Gary. Look forward to seeing the weathering