Yep, that’s the way I always do it - but I been doin’ it a lonnng time too. That’s what I did on my last Sherman.
Here’s how I assembled the bogies on my M4A3E2 Sherman…….
…and still manage to paint and weather everything separately.
The left view shows the inner and outer parts glued together. The right view shows how the parts are modified so you can slip the return rollers in after they are painted separately.
Then I use side cutters to cut the majority of the material out.
I refine the cuts closer with a fingernail clipper, then use a sanding stick to smooth off the nubs.
Leave about a sixteenth inch each side…… no problem to slide the wheels in after painting.
I think you made a good choice and now for your second build ; you could try the Academy M113 (Vietnam version) or Tamiya’s PBR Patrol Boat River. This boat kit is still one of my favorite kits ever and builds into a really nice model straight OOTB but there’s also plenty of room for some extra detailing.
My FIRST ever 1/35 WWII American AFV was the M26 Pershing from Tamiya. It’s a simple assembly and builds up into a really imposing, attractive tank.
I reckon you’d love this build for a starter kit [Y]
Here’s my Tamiya Pershing so you get an idea of the kit (It’s not great but I did build this when I first started out and was a total nood - just over 3.5 years ago iirc):
You sound like an experienced modeler, so the Tamiya Walker Bulldog will be a disappointment. It is akin to recommending the old Monogram TBF Avenger to an experienced armor builder as their first aircraft kit; a buildable model, but with minimal detail.
Don’t get me wrong, it is one of the best starter tank kits on the market; cheap, readily available, easy to paint in the OD & white star markings and looks like a standard US tank when done. Great for a novice to learn how to build a model. They are commonly available at Hobby Lobby for $18, but use their 40% off coupon.
The Tamiya Bulldog was designed to be motorized and as such has molded on detail and thicker surface parts so they could withstand the rigors of being handled and have the upper hull popped off to replace batteries. When it was the only M41 on the market (now there are two other kits) many experienced modelers super detailed it and there are great build ups online, but the AM parts generally exceed the cost of the newer kits.
I’d stick with the newer Tamiya 1/48 scale armor kits if you are just testing the waters. Relatively inexpensive and a common aircraft scale to go with your current collection. Their Sherman tanks are great kits. Much better than the Tamiya Bulldog.
I picked up the Walker Bulldog at Hobby Lobby for a little over $8 on a whim. I hadn’t done an armor kit in over 15 years. With a few of the techniques I learned on FSM, I installed some hatch handles and details with copper and brass wire, cut out the cupola windows and added glass, and had hella fun weathering the hell out of it. Here is the result:
I think you made the right choice. Just have fun with it.
; you could try the Academy M113 (Vietnam version) or Tamiya’s PBR Patrol Boat River. This boat kit is still one of my favorite kits ever and builds into a really nice model straight OOTB but there’s also plenty of room for some extra detailing.
