SPA Modeler

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.

Ooh, nice! Like the Sherman.

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.

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

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.

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.

Gary Brantley wrote: ↑Mon May 06, 2024 8:47 am 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.

Medicman71 wrote: ↑Mon May 06, 2024 5:56 am 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!

LyleW wrote: ↑Mon May 06, 2024 5:34 am Ooh, nice! Like the Sherman.

Thanks Lyle!

Me to, I've always liked them.

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