Tamiya 1/35 Sherman M4A3

[Stuart]

Just because you can never have too many builds on the bench at once (I'm taking lessons from Mike), I started this the other day - my first ever Sherman (seen here in the company of my other two current amour builds - all of which I'd like to get completed this year).



Seems to be a nice simple kit. I'm not planning on anything fancy, just building it OOB with the options on the box and maybe a little light weathering. I've picked up a bottle of Humbrol #66 Olive Drab to paint it with. I'm not 100% sure if it's the right colour, but according to my paint charts it's a direct comparison to the Tamiya paint the kit call outs mention.



So far I've built up the running gear. I did have a bit of confusion in regards to what road wheels to use, as although there is a side note to say that all the options in this kit use the later solid wheels, the diagram showed the spoked wheels. Thankfully I hadn't committed glue to anything before I realised.



And assembled the lower hull...



Interesting gaps that Tamiya leaves you. I'm not sure I want to leave these with the hope that the drive sprocket will cover it up, so I might fill it with some plasticard.



Part of the reason for wanting to build this kit was the desire to have a go at figures, and asides from the TC and the driver, it also has these three - in various patterns of US equipment.



And it also comes with a far bit of stowage - which should be a nice challenge.



Cheers for now.

[LyleW]

Ooh, nice! Like the Sherman.

[Medicman71]

Hey now! I don't have that many going at the same time. I'm just trying to clean out the build shelf.

Can't wait to see your Sherman build.

[Gary Brantley]

Great project for you, Stuart and I'll follow along taking notes, as I want a Sherman too, someday!

[Stikpusher]

You’re gonna like this kit Stuart! It’s a fine weekend project in most cases. But I would suggest using Humbrol 155 Olive Drab, and not Humbrol 66. 66 is the shade used on Vietnam era US Army vehicles, while 155 is much closer to the WWII & Korean War era shade.

[Stuart]

Thanks Carlos - it does seem to be a nice kit, basic, but goes together well - kinda like the Panzer II I built years ago. You've probably built loads of them.

Thanks for the heads up on the #66 OD, I'll keep that for my Tamiya M48 then and I've ordered some #155. Much appreciated.

[Stuart]

Great project for you, Stuart and I'll follow along taking notes, as I want a Sherman too, someday!

Thanks Gary - Lordy don't take any notes from me though, I've no idea what I'm doing. It won't be as good as your Bulldog, that much I do know.

[Stuart]

Hey now! I don't have that many going at the same time. I'm just trying to clean out the build shelf.

Can't wait to see your Sherman build.

Thanks Mike!

[Stuart]

Ooh, nice! Like the Sherman.

Thanks Lyle!

Me to, I've always liked them.

[Stuart]

On test fitting the upper and lower hulls, I've noticed a slight bit of gappage