First time poster (long time lurker!). I recently returned to the hobby after a 10 year hiatus, and couldn’t resist doing an Iwo flame tank after picking up Tank Warfare on Iwo Jima. This is the Dragon PTO M4A2 kit, heavily modified to represent a flame tank from “D” Co, 5th Tank Bn on Iwo Jima. Rather than replicate an actual machine, I decided instead to do a representation of all the modifications typical to a 5th Tk Bn machine (3rd and 4th Tank Battalions also modified their tanks with different methods, each peculiar to their battalions). So, using various aftermarket parts and items “donated” by an Academy M4A2, I set out on my “back in the saddle” build. I applied wooden plank armor (by GCLaser) to the hull sides and bogies, wading stacks from the Academy kit, sandbags and spare kit from Verlinden, scratchbuilt the water tank on the engine deck from a resin 500lb bomb, added a tarpaulin-covered .50 machine gun on the turret rear, and scratchbuilt the chicken wire cages over the hull hatches. I also drilled countless holes on the commander’s cupola and loader’s hatch to insert wire, cut to length, to represent the nails that 5th Tk Bn welded on the hatches to deter (or at least delay) attempts to open the hatches by Japanese infiltrators. I finished it off with a brush-painted camo pattern, and weathered it with artist’s oils and ModelMaster enamels. I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out, although my wife wishes I named it after her and not the dog! Any feedback/critiques are greatly appreciated, as I’m trying to refine my skill set after not touching plastic for way too long!
Second SWEET M4A3! Excellent paint job, if you didn’t say it was brushed on, I would have thought it was air brushed. So, is this a case of once a Marine, always a Marine model builder ? lol.
Thanks for the kind words, Mike! Indeed, ALL the kits in my stash (and my ancient previoius builds) are Marine subjects. I’m just about finished with my Panda 1/35th UH-1N, I’ll be sure to post it once it’s done…(are they EVER done?)
That is very eye catching and nice looking build. Colors and scratch work are well done. If you have another USMC vehicle come and join use over in the GB “War in the Pacific”. Would like to see some more of your work what ever it may be.
Thanks, Tigerman! I had no idea there was a Group Build kicking off, but I think I’m going to dust off the other Sherman I have in waiting (the “donor” Academy tank) and make another Iwo Sherman. I’ve set my sights on a 4th Tank Bn machine. 4th Bn also had wooden slats on the sponsons, with a few inches of concrete between the hull and wood. Cages over the hatches, extra track links, etc… More to follow on the GB Forum!
Thanks for posting! Beautiful model, I love Allied armour most of all but plain jane olive drab does get dull after awhile. Love the camo and all the modifications and additions! [Y]
Great looking M4A2. I love how the Marines modified their tanks between campaigns. You really don’t see this much modification by the Army in the European theather.
I rented “The Pacific” last month, am now reading “With the Old Breed” and a Time-Life book on Iwo and Okinawa. The Marines had such a fierce fight with the Japanese on these islands.
Keep up the great work and I can’t wait to see another Iwo tank.
Very nice work on the Iwo flame-tank. I’d say you had more than re-established yourself in the saddle, you’re off to a gallop! Look forward to seeing more work in the future, welcome to the forums! [B]
ps1, never fear…I’ve been busy with tigerman’s Battle in the West GB and working on a Pz IV-C for that. Should be crossing the finish line with it in the next couple of weeks and then it will be back to posting in the regular forum.
