Let’s get this Sherman M4A2 out of it’s box

[Isitme]

Andre,
Keep with it, as far as the front mudguards go, add some filler and then hand paint, it is not uncommon to see slight variations in colour tones.
Mike.

[AFC]

If you’re building Sherman kits, it’s a lifesaver — and shows you what minefield you’ve gotten yourself into :smiling3:

My first one and I’m quite enjoying it. My next one might as well be another Sherman we shall see

[AFC]

My goal with this model is to play with it and learn

So today I added some “home made” details (tool straps, cable and its straps, etc) and used the airbrush. Oh the airbrush

Before I had it painted with Tamiya’s olive drab. Today, I’ve mixed OD with dark yellow, and I was very pleased with the outcome. Here some pictures (a bit more yellowish than what it looks like in real life - working on the lights to improve the photos)

Have used putty to simulate welding (photo #5). It didn’t exactly came out as I intended but it is now less boring than what it was previously. So, it’s a win

Speaking of putty, I’m using Tamyia’s white putty and not very impressed with it so far ...

Next steps are for me to apply the decals and airbrush some varnish on it (I’ll use matt varnish).

After that it’ll be time to apply washings, mud and chipping. Never done it before so I’m both excited and nervous... will need to watch some vids before doing it!

Any feedback is as always very welcome.

[AFC]

I’m probably beating the longest ever build of a kit but it’s been a mix of a lot of things happening at same time with me also wanting to experiment with some things for which I need some research.

Anyway… let’s go.

I was quite happy with chipping until I got to the hull, especially to the decal area. Not being patient led me to some avoidable mistakes. Have learned some lessons.

Pictures before & after decals

Now, want to have a go with mud, washings (using oils)… as said, good time to learn and take risks

Feedback always welcome

[minitnkr]

Very Russian looking numbers:thumb2::thumb2:. Weathering looks very good. Hint on lights....if you mount them you should make the lenses look like lenses. It's not easy, but any effort is a bonus. PaulE

[Guest]

I’m probably beating the longest ever build of a kit

Not really, no … I have models I started building 20 or more years ago lying around half-finished, of which I know what I wanted to do with them — and still intend to someday. I’m sure there are people with ones they started in the 1970s that they still plan to finish “soon”

[AFC]

Not really, no … I have models I started building 20 or more years ago lying around half-finished, of which I know what I wanted to do with them — and still intend to someday. I’m sure there are people with ones they started in the 1970s that they still plan to finish “soon” :smiling3:

Thanks! That makes me feel so much better

[Guest]

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[Jim R]

Hi Andre
Well I reckon this is coming on a treat. Looks great. You're having fun and learning as you go - that's what it's all about.
Jim

[AFC]

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Hahaha!! Just noticed the ; ) didn’t stay in my message. everyone in this forum is soooo nice that they don’t deserve sarcasm.

seriously, thanks for the nice words

[AFC]

Hi Andre
Well I reckon this is coming on a treat. Looks great. You're having fun and learning as you go - that's what it's all about.
Jim

Thanks. I am. Enjoying so much that I’m going to do another Sherman…in a near future just wish I had a bit more time for it at this point, but time will come haha

[Guest]

thanks for the nice words

I don’t do nice words, I just say how things are

[AFC]

Very Russian looking numbers:thumb2::thumb2:. Weathering looks very good. Hint on lights....if you mount them you should make the lenses look like lenses. It's not easy, but any effort is a bonus. PaulE

Thanks Paul! I'm thinking of painting them "aluminium" or gluing a little bit of plastic with PVA. Would this be the right way? Is there any other trick to make them a bit more real?

[Tim Marlow]

Going along nicely Andre. Practice this on something else first Andre, but to mimic lenses on solid plastic some car modellers use Silver paint mixed with gloss white.

[minitnkr]

Red nail polish works great for tail lights. Mini Me drills out lights & inserts lenses. Some folks paint them & cover w/clear gloss. WWII US armor often didn't mount headlights until needed. PaulE