Just finished my first armor build in nearly two decades and figured I’d toss it up here for your consideration. Constructive criticism is more than welcome - I’m happy enough with it, but also keen to improve.
Thanks for looking!
Doogs,
Did you basecoat the whole thing in Flat Black prior to the OD? Second picture looks pretty dark. Just asking as I was thinking of basecoating my non German WWII AFVs in black to provide some quick and fast depth and shadowing.
Looks like a winner! I’m still trudging along on the StuG, but actually got some of the Avenger built up for the Weathering GB.
I feel like a noob modeler. Would you believe in over 20 years (off and on) I’ve NEVER built a Sherman? Gah!
Actually, that is the base coat - Tamiya NATO Black, topped with MM OD and Faded OD.
Never built a Sherman? Geez…
Tank looks really good. The weathering is done just perfect to me. You did not cover up a lot of details with mud and junk.
What did you use for the tie-down rope on the rear deck? I have been experimenting with white and black thread and different paints.
I know… don’t tell anybody. I actually have three M4’s and one Firefly Vc in the stash, so I’m still sorta cool, though, right?
Hey, since you’re in Austin and I grew up in San Antonio, is King’s Hobbies still in business? My best friend and I used to make road trips all the time up there in the mid-late 80s.
really looks great,weathering just right-stowage very realistic.
As a fellow modeler who hasn’t built a tank in 20 plus years you give me hope. Thanks for the great pics and the tips on how you did it!
Wow, thanks guys! I had in mind a Sherman tearing up ground across Sicily or Italy, so I was going more for dust and grit than mud (still a bit freaked to try fresh mud…).
iraqiwildman - the tie down is actually just tan-colored thread from Hobby Lobby. I went with the one that would look me most “rope-ish”.
Matt - King’s is in fact still around. I usually find an excuse to make my way up there about once a week. Great group of guys running the place!
Thanks! I leaned pretty heavily on the Sherman buildup over a few issues of FSM last fall. Tracked the build in more detail over on the Weathering GB and on my blog (though the final weathering post still has to be written).
Doogs,
I love looking at your A/C builds, but dammmn that is on nice looking Sherman…you aren’t defecting over to the Armor side are you?
Looks like a great job to me! Love the weathering you did and the rope tie down was a nice touch too.[Y]
Killer paint job…
Excellant job.No need to improve on anything.
Hey Doogs,
That is one excellent looking Sherman! Fantastic work.
Rob
First armor in 20 years!!! It looks excellent to me! The weathering looks VERY good. Wow!
Nate
That is a sharp looking Sherman! Just the right amount of weathering also. Great work!
Your first armor build in 20 years? DAMN GOOD! [Y] Far better than mine for sure. Now I am itchin’ to build a Sherman… maybe later this year as I have couple of Tamiya and Tasca kits… [^o)]
I agree with the others. Spot on weathering. I like the tonal depth to it too.
Doogs- fantastic work. Love the paint sequence to add depth, and as with the other comments, the weathering looks spot-on to me. Great attention to detail between the rubber track block and steel cleat, and also the rope for the stowage.
Umm, if you don’t mind a small observation: is your bow .30 cal plugged up?
I know…rivet counters suck [6]
From one doog to another, it’s a fine-looking model for sure.
I like the graduated weathering up the sides. Nice job!