Mike Mcellaney Posted July 10, 2021 Share Posted July 10, 2021 This is the Tamiya M51 Sherman backdated with parts from the Tamiya M1 Sherman, Mr Models Metal Gun Barrel, Shapeway 3D printed parts and some Legend Stowage for the M51, to represent the first batch of M51 Sherman's to enter service with the IDF around 1962, this version had the Continental R-975 engine fitted, the first pattern muzzle break no reinforcing bracing to the sides, exhaust deflector, original stowage layout only one stowage box either side, no spare wheels on the hull side, only one jerry can on the rear and spare track on the hull side. Inspiration was taken from the photo on page 39 of The Lioness and Lion of the line Volume 2 M50 and M51, showing a M51 Batch 1 in the Negev desert on a possible live fire exercise or as the caption reads "during a long drill that took place in the beginning of the 1960's". This is the first bit of armour I have built in years and I loved it, tried out a lot of new techniques well for me anyway, some I liked some not so, worst one was using the VMS Satin varnish it left a gritty texture to some of the surfaces, (Still trying to figure out what I did wrong as a test piece later it went down nice and smooth) but a few coats of Future helped to level it out a bit. Well I have enjoyed this so much I have started on the Batch 2 M51's one based on the M4A3 hull and one on on the M4A1 hull (Tamiya M51 kits combined with the Tamiya M4A3E8 Korean War Kit) 13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stef N. Posted July 10, 2021 Share Posted July 10, 2021 Excellently made and painted. The subtle weathering is rather well done. Top job.👏 As an aside the grittiness you mentioned may have been the main coat being sprayed to far away/paint drying before it hits the vehicle and then the satin coat highlighting it. This has happened to me before so I give it a gentle rub down with a tough brush or very fine grit paper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tojo72 Posted July 10, 2021 Share Posted July 10, 2021 Looks great,I too enjoyed that kit,typical Tamiya,all I added was a spotlight that I had on hand,again nice weathering job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigfoot Posted July 10, 2021 Share Posted July 10, 2021 Great stuff, that’s a lovely Sherman you’ve built. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Mcellaney Posted July 10, 2021 Author Share Posted July 10, 2021 2 hours ago, Stef N. said: Excellently made and painted. The subtle weathering is rather well done. Top job.👏 As an aside the grittiness you mentioned may have been the main coat being sprayed to far away/paint drying before it hits the vehicle and then the satin coat highlighting it. This has happened to me before so I give it a gentle rub down with a tough brush or very fine grit paper. Thanks for the heads up on the paint, its the first time I have used Mig acrylic and acrylic thinner, normal I will use a lacquer based paint or Mr Colour or Tamiya paint thinned with lacquer thinner 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Mcellaney Posted July 10, 2021 Author Share Posted July 10, 2021 2 hours ago, Tojo72 said: Looks great,I too enjoyed that kit,typical Tamiya,all I added was a spotlight that I had on hand,again nice weathering job. Glad you liked it, thanks for looking Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Mcellaney Posted July 10, 2021 Author Share Posted July 10, 2021 38 minutes ago, bigfoot said: Great stuff, that’s a lovely Sherman you’ve built. Well you can never have to many Sherman's and if they just happen to be IDF well all the better Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bertie McBoatface Posted July 27, 2021 Share Posted July 27, 2021 I think that's very well made and finished. What's a little extra texture on a tank, especially one in a dusty environment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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