Here’s my finished Dragon M4A1. I airbrushed the two tone scheme free hand, which was a first. I’m happy enough for a first effort. I did the washes with oils, another first, and really liked the effect. There is also some dry brushing and Mig pigments to finish it off. I had some real trouble with the tracks. DML Sherman indies really suck the fun out of modeling as far as I’m concerned. They are a pain to assemble, and a pain to install. On one side I got them around the rear idler well enough, but not the drive sprocket. On the other side, I did the opposite. The poor fit around the idler led to a very noticeable floating road wheel on the right side. That is very disappointing because in other aspects of the build, I thougtht I made some real improvements in my technique. I also had some trouble with paint cracking as it dried, but it doesn’t show up as much after the weathering.
Thanks for looking, and contructive criticism is not only welcomed, but encouraged.
I like it a lot! I never made a sherman yet and I will probably do in a near future and its all your fault.
Seriously it looks very well done, even dough the pictures are a blasted. Try to take pictures under daylight without the flash. Flash kills everything, there is no contrasts.
One comment, I would make a dark wash to accentuate the gaps and crevasses. But maybe it’s just the pics.
I really love the tracks, they look very well dirty.
You’ll see how it’s a continuous rise. Modellers are best served by using putty and smoothing in the seam.
With the problems you had with the indy tracks, attack them again. The wheel float is very noticeable. All 12 roadwheels should be solidly horizontal. Apply some liquid cement to the tracks to soften them and bend them into submission! Don’t let their stubborness overcome you! You’re the MASTER!!!
Only the upper left oval lens of the rear lights was red. The lower one on the rear left was black and both the lenses on the right lamp were black. An easy fix.
The tanks left the factory in OD. Weenie One would have had the tan color added atop the olive drab. It strikes me strange that the lower hull and suspension components wouldn’t be OD, covered with dust. As you’ve finished it, I would believe that the base coat was tan and someone came over it with the darker, OD. Maybe something to fix, maybe not.
It looks real good. I have this one in my stash. I could not agree more about those tracks. I ordered a newer rubber band set from Tamiya to deal with it. Nice job.
Good to see this one cross the finish line Bill, especially with the headaches it gave you along the way.
As far as DML Shermie indy links go, the best way I found to tackle them was to use offset staggered link connectors but it was still an exercise in patience. Took twice as long as a normal set of indies would, for me at least.
Good to see a classic Shermie built up. I would apply a stronger contrast wash, but that’s about it. Fade te tan a bit too, with some chipping to show the OD underneath. Other than that, fantastic.
I really like the way the camouflage has been applied, even though it looks in reverse! I like the feathered edges! Also, I think an oil wash all over would really work wonders on this piece, and give great definition to the exterior details! [;)]
She’s a beauty, Buff. Good job on the camo. I have been waiting around for this version of the Sherman for some time now. I just hope that the LHS will be able to bring in one.
It looks great. I really like seeing Shermans that are more than just olive drab. Keep working the tracks until they’re how you want them. Consider replacing them with some aftermarket stuff. I have an Operation Cobra M4A1 waiting in the stash, and I’m certainly not looking forward to the indie tracks.
