Well, those of you who know me realize that I don’t build much US Armor. I had to try this AFV Club kit. My impressions are mixed. I guess I can describe the assembly as “fiddly”. The lack of locators for major subassemblies would be a challenge for younger or learning modellers. The turret is too wide and so is the mantlet, the suspension is okay, but the roadwheels are oversized. I substituted M4A2 VVS (Tamiya ) to obtain a “scale” suspension. I substituted the track as well. I bought the late “Wolverine” but decided to build the earlier version, since I had to change the suspension. I added a 30 cal. and some extras to match reference photos. I also added weld seams to the turret and hull.
Once again, you are a speed demon modeler Steve. Awesome build and paint work.
I know you tons (pun intended [:D]) of experience with the equipment but what are your references for saying this? Just asking. Every pic I’ve seen head on of the real M10 the turret sides overhang. Is this what you mean?
Hey Steve,
Fantastic looking job [tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]. Have mixed emotions when I see your builds. Not sure whether to be inspired to improve[yeah][yeah] or be discouraged and give up[BH][%-)] [banghead]. You certainly set a very high standard for me to shoot for. Always enjoy seeing your work. Thanks for sharing [:D]
Joe
I-Beam
I mean that the turret width across the front and the mantlet are too wide. If you look at some reference pics you should see what I mean. I’m not saying that it’s a major issue, but it is there. There is a review on another site that shows a builder sectioning the mantlet on this kit to make it scale. I’m not that concerned with accuracy, although I though that the oversize bogie wheels, and the fact that they were hollow backed and all had sink marks, made it worthwhile to use the Shermie suspension I’ve had lying around for ten years or so.
Other issues with this kit include the hatches are to big and squared off. Academy almost has them the right shape on thier kit. For those concerned with an accurate interior, the engine bulkhead wall ammo tube retainer rings don’t line up with the racks,
and there is no provision for the crew seating to be in the proper position when unloaded. They spring up, as I have built them.
I wasn’t sure I read the thread correctly, Steve built an American tank? LOL Hey, that is very well done. Nice weathering around the bolts and cable. How did you achieve your faded or worn look.
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I think my next US Armor project will be replicating the M60A2 pictured in my sig. I have the old Tamiya kit, so I might go with a dio.
[Eric]: I first mixed Tamiya OD with about 25% Tamiya Desert Yellow, making it a little more “Khaki” for the base coat. I used straight Tamiya OD for the turret floor, and a 10% OD/Desert Yellow for the turret interior. I sprayed the entire hull/turret exterior with flat black and shot the base coat. Once this was laid down and cured, I dry brushed the turret floor and interior high points with SNJ aluminum powder. The hull and turret exterior were coated with MIG pigments, a combination of desert sand and Industrial dirt. This was followed by MIG rust in the appropriate areas. Track was sprayed overall flat black, weathered with the MIG pigments, and then dry brushed with the SNJ on end connectors etc. Tarp was cut from and old pillow case, tied with shipbuilder rope, and brush painted with the modified OD mixture. Breech block and crew served weapons were brushed with flat black and dry brushed with the SNJ powder. .50 cal and .30 cal ammo belts were PE from spares, I cut down the .30 belt and added the canvas feeder common to the .30 cal-this was originally the .30 cal post mount from the Tamiya Willys jeep kit, which I cut down and modified. I also used the jeep can and Thompson from the jeep kit.
I won’t tell where I got the 76mm rounds, (I’m sworn to secrecy, but they are turned brass and I made the securing straps from tape strips.
