Kingsman Posted November 17, 2021 Share Posted November 17, 2021 I'm calling this one Finished - apart from a set of RFM T80 tracks. I didn't collect any construction photos along the way. I actually had no intent to make another M51, having already done the less usual Chilean and welded hull types. But then I managed to get hold of both the Legend "1973" update set for the Tamiya kit and the Accurate Armour upgrade set for the DML kit for less than £20 the pair. So it seemed rude not to....... The Legend set isn't strictly "1973" and is a bit confused. If anything it represents the final M51 configuration between Yom Kippur and end of service as it has the rear stowage bin. It also has the 60mm mortar base but not the travel clamp and still has the central M2 HMG mount - yet has the base for the commander's hatch 0.30" Browning scissors mount. The M2 was removed to make room for the mortar and the scissors mount introduced. Sadly, the scissors mount itself isn't included (no-one does), so I had to scratchbuild another one (I did one for the Chilean M51). The MG mount on top is only on with blu-tack here. As the mortar base was there I decided to add the travel clamp and mount the rarely-seen 60mm mortar. Then I thought I'd go the whole hog and add the equally rarely-seen ranging MG mount over the main gun barrel. Used up the last of my Shapeways jerrycan racks as I couldn't face the Legend etched ones. Tools replaced with resin ones and MJ Productions 3D printed straps. Tamiya mould some massive divots for mounting the kit tools that needed filling. Eureka tow cable, MR Modellbau gun barrel, RB Models MG barrel. Lots of Mr Surfacer. Hull-wise I thought I'd have a go at the Airflow Extension of the rear upper hull. Basically the rear upper hull was cut off behind the engine access hatch and then welded back on with a wedge inserted in each side, making the angle very much like an M4A3. This allowed greater radiator airflow. DML attempted this on their 2nd M51 release but depicted it as a complete extension - as if a new longer piece of rear upper hull had been welded on. Which it was not. There will be some tie-downs for things like the tactical signs and oil can after painting. 23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M3talpig Posted November 18, 2021 Share Posted November 18, 2021 What an absolute beast......and beautifully modelled...... must get my backside in gear and do some IDF armour...are we likely to see some paint on this though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vytautas Posted November 18, 2021 Share Posted November 18, 2021 7 hours ago, M3talpig said: What an absolute beast... Oh, yes, in my opinion, this is absolutely true. I understand absolutely nothing about these tanks, but what I see is very impressive. Vytautas 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingsman Posted November 18, 2021 Author Share Posted November 18, 2021 3rd owner, 2nd gun, 2nd engine, 30+ years old, still going..... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bullbasket Posted November 18, 2021 Share Posted November 18, 2021 You've made an absolutely beautiful job of that. Nice work. John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diablo rsv Posted November 18, 2021 Share Posted November 18, 2021 Very nice, it looks like you've put a lot of work into that. Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Model Mate Posted November 19, 2021 Share Posted November 19, 2021 exemplary work - very nice indeed. As others have said, it'll be great to see with some paint on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vaastav Posted November 19, 2021 Share Posted November 19, 2021 Excellent work. Looks stunning Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasper dog Posted November 20, 2021 Share Posted November 20, 2021 Wonderful work! Obviously it needs paint but when a model looks this this good "raw" then it can only be a harbinger of what's to come! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingsman Posted November 26, 2021 Author Share Posted November 26, 2021 You haven't seen my painting........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edjbartos Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 It looks absolutely brilliant, very nicely detailed Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redcoat2966 Posted November 27, 2021 Share Posted November 27, 2021 That’s a nice bit of modelling……..nice to look at and discover the detail. nice job 👍 Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil1960 Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 Superb! Clean and subtle work 👍 👍 👍 Ciao Filippo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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