I know, I know it’s strange to read something from me where the ‘M4’ or ‘Sherman’ isn’t followed by ‘burning’ or ‘too thin’, but I need help on this build. I opened up the cupola vision blocks but I can’t find good reference photos. I even have a HVSS M4 about 10 min. from my house but it’s mounted on a six foot pedestal and can’t see the hatch. I originally tried to mount the block from the back but it didn’t appear ‘thick’, so I switched to this. Remember there is no finishing paint or anything here except elmers because I’m not sure if this is accurate.
I’m rerouting one of the kits taillight LEDs for turret illumination and am stuck here. I can’t install the elevation mechanism and turret base until this is settled.
I’m looking for real criticism here, and in exchange I promise I will not rant about Sherman inadequacies for up to 2 days, fair?[;)]
you could just get the Calibre35 cupola http://pmms.webace.com.au/reviews/vehicles/calibre35/cal35025.htm
1/16 Tamiya RC, sorry I should have been more specific…
I remember the M-4A3 at the local American Legion that we used to play on had dark green glass on the cupola. Where is the Freak? Robert will tell you the real deal.
Looks like you have someone stuck in there.
Yeah he’s waiting for directons.
I was going to make an Donald Sutherland for the cupola and Gavin MacLeod for the assistant driver’s hatch but it would limit how I could film it in the future. So I decided to stuff the kit included commander inside.
Looks like you’re doing a super job! If I remember correctly, as I measure the space between my fingers here, the vision blocks on that cupola are around 2.5 inches high by 5.5 wide. Thickness is about 3 or 3.5 inches (anybody who can supply exact measurements please do! … Robert).
The green tint comes from the layering of glass and isn’t from an actual tinting as such, so it is very light. Yours looks very good! The only thing I’d mention (and I’m being VERY VERY picky here) is the hold down ‘tacks’ for the frames, are they PE? On the real vehicle, all those little rivets are slotted screws for retaining the vision block frame. There is also a plate inside at the bottom of the block held in by three screws to keep it from sliding out, but you barely notice it.
I’ll try to post a photo of the inside I have with the blocks missing for you on Ron’s site.
Regards,
Ron
PS Shermans WERE too thin skinned, why apologize for stating a fact?
Okay, Scanned some photos inside and out of the cupola. Looks like the ‘pins’ are supposed to simulate the hold down screws for the cupola itself. Anyhoo, couldn’g tet onto Ron’s site to upload photos. I can email them to you, but won’t be back at work until Monday. (they’re in a jpeg format)
Ron
Very, very picky is what I want…The frames are all the original mold which is from '74 on this particular kit. I plan to use some brass and leftover PE to detail because there is precious little AM available for it. Plus by the time I bought the radio, battery and charger it adds up and there’s only so much I’m willing to spend on one kit (except the time).
I really appreciate your effort Ron, Thanks.
PPS…I 'm afraid it’s not stating a fact, but OVERstating I may be accused of. (do you know how hard it is for me not to type in my suggestion of a Burning Sherman for the proposed armor T-shirt[:O]…oops!,… ya see?)[;)]
Maybe this pic will help a bit.
Perfect…I was getting a little alarmed Sherm, I knew you were out there somewhere.
This kit seems way off in detail. I don’t know if I’m going go through ‘narrowing’ the openings, I think I’lljust detail and weather 'em.
Sorry I was late … work got in the way. [:(]
All is well again. You are certainly one of the members that have become an authoritive voice in the Forum, and when missing, your absence is felt (and not just because I’m in a Sherman bind).
BTW where is Erock68?
Exchanged e-mails with him last weekend … he’s just been extremely busy.
Have a look there: http://www.ferreamole.it/images/m24/56.jpg
Not from a Sherman but from the M24 cupola. It gives you an impression of the angle of how the armored glass was installed and its opening.
Hmmmmm…
I don’t know anything about Shermans, and Ron and Robert and co seemed to have sorted you out Ausf, but I have to say the little guy looking out in your model is a bit spooky. Freaked me out a little.
Matt
Yeah, I admit it has a ‘2001 Space Odyssey suspended animation’ feel to it.
I’ve plenty of work to do on it.
Not that there’s anything wrong with creepin’ people out.