Hey all, This is my Sherman Firefly IC from Tamiya’s 1/48th line. This is my first real serious build, I’ve done a few OOB no paint aircraft when I was 8 and a 1/72 spit and sherman a while ago, but this is my first real build.
I apologize for the pictures butafter a buch of experimentation (new camera 
!) these where the best ones.
Any tips, tricks or crits are extremely useful and I would like to have as much as possible.
Thanks for looking -Jason
WHOA! LESS LIGHT is the only criticism I can give, from what I can see of this fine looking build!
Looks good-- but it might be nice to see a new set of edited photos when you get your light metering figured out! [8D][yeah]
LOL yeah true, I just took them near my window, cause I didn’t have enough lamps 
I’ll get some new pics up soon
It looks good. I especially like the dirt weathering very realistic imo. Well done one you can be proud of.[tup]
I suggest you try 1/35 scale. It’s better to display larger model and they are easier to build[2c].
Better to display??? and easier to build?! Obviously you’ve never built a quater scale Tamiya kit! Nothing could be easier!!! Great to see some quater scale stuff up here. I’ve recently become addicted to it myself. Great build. I think a backdrop behind it either blue or white would work best. It’ll filter out most of the light and you’ll be set. Some blue bristol board is cheap enough to use and gives you a nice ‘professional’ touch to the build! Well done from what I can see, the weathering is great!
New pics up, I tried using my modelling lamp, moved high up, hopefully these pics are better
And yes, I love tamiya 1/48, these are awesome! I have the Cromwell, Stug, Panzer IV, Kettenrad, and hope to get more, they are a joy to build
Yup…much better!
Still looks great! Nice looking build there, Grindale! Looking forward to seeing more! [:)]
So let me get this straight this is your first REAL build?! AWESOME JOB!!! [bow]
Nice build as many of these quarters show. James is probably correct about the ease of construction, though I’ve never built one yet. They do look tempting.
What I mean is it’s easier to do the finishing [:)](paint and such) on bigger models than smaller ones. The assembly of course is a tad harder but the finishing will be somewhat easier imo though you probably need more paint or weathering powder and more time to finish it.
I still think 1/35 model is better than 1/48. My opinion is the bigger the scale, the better the model would be since the additional details are usually added in larger scale models.
Now on to the topic. The newer pics look much better. If only Minichamps built their Sherman as nice as yours…nice weathering. Now if only your Sherman had a working suspension and wheels…roooooooo ooll it baby[(-D]
Nice work on the Firefly. I have built both of the Tamiya 1/48 Sherman kits & have the Firefly in my stash of “To Do’s”. I build mostly 1/48 Aircraft, but really enjoy this new line of 1/48 Armor. I’m particularly looking forward to the M8 Greyhound recently announced.
Regards, Rick
Greyhound in 48th!! AWESOME!! I cannot wait for that
Hello Jason,
I would like to commend you on your Firefly. I am not a 1/48th guy, so I can only offer some points that I learned during my tasca 1/35th build should you ever tackle another build:
The main thing that jumps out at me is the rear stowage box, the cover is ill fitting and exposing the thickness of the lid, really looks out of scale.
The OD finish needs to be shaded and textured to break up the monotony inherent to the finish. I primed my build in flat black and airbrushed different OD shades keeping in mind how natural light would hit the tank:
I see you have made the same error that I (did), you have applied welds to the bottom of the addon armor (hull sides) when in fact, they were welded on three sides only:
Speaking of welds, I commend your add on efforts, but you missed the welds on the bow machine gun cover plate.
Also, the little things mean a lot, the periscope guards, perhaps a commanders weapon, antennas and some tastefully done stowage are needed to add some character to the piece. Also, a buttoned up tank needs the vision blocks and periscopes in the installed position IMHO, unless you are depicting the vehicle in the Tank Park or in front of the local VFW. The lack of markings and details such as some oil/fuel stains etc can help as well.
I know that getting the level of realism is tougher in quarter scale, but in the cameras eye, there really is no distinction, so I hope this purely constructive rant is helpful.
regards,
Steve
Thank you very much for your suggestions!
It wasn’t really an all out build for me, just wanted to keep it simple and just add a few details (the rear box is made of cardboard… cardboard from the diplay sleeve of my airbrush lol)
Glad you like the welds, oh and there is some fading/ color tones, it’s just hard to see with my crappy pics
Thanks for the contructive crits! Very helpful