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Post by Dwight A. Ta-ala on Jul 4, 2021 20:15:51 GMT -6
I got 2 of these Dragon 1/35 M4A1 75mm Early from an online hobby shop back in 2018. While the box says "Early Version" the kit itself is more of a "Mid Version" because it lacks the direct vision ports and the early type VVSS suspension. In fact, there are parts in the box that makes it possible to build the kit into a "Late Version". And that is what I aimed to do having done a similar kit some years ago as a "Mid Version". [/a]
So far this is how it looks.
I have to remove some unnecessary items from the turret as the one in the kit seems to be for much later versions. The clamps and brackets for the tools were cut from brass sheet as the only PE part that came with the kit is the mesh for the vents. The strap for the tools are cut from vinyl stickers with some spare plastic buckles from an Academy kit. I think the 0.50 cal MG came from a TASCA kit. I just scratch-built the hedgerow cutter from pictures so I am not sure if the dimensions are correct. I will post updates as I progress with the build. Thanks.
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Post by JCON on Jul 4, 2021 22:30:08 GMT -6
That looks cool Dwight!!!
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bravo1jon
GAINING SPEED
Why is my finger more sticky to glue than the plastic?
Posts: 341
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Post by bravo1jon on Jul 5, 2021 7:26:18 GMT -6
Great build so far Dwight. I have not seen a hedge cutter before so I have no idea as too the scale but it looks right to me. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your build. Thanks for sharing it.
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rustybaer
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Post by rustybaer on Jul 5, 2021 8:10:50 GMT -6
Looking good! I wouldn't get to worried about the dimensions of the hedgerow cutter as the original was an improv, with copies knocked out in unit workshops using materials at hand so some variance is to be expected.
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Post by dogfish7 (R.I.P.) on Jul 5, 2021 9:12:08 GMT -6
Looks like you're ready for France.
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Post by Dukemaddog on Jul 7, 2021 14:49:06 GMT -6
Nice work Dwight! Way to go! Rusty is right, the hedgerow cutters were done by individuals so they all had a measure of individuality. I do recall that almost all of them stretched out to the outer edge of the drive sprocket so the hedgerows wouldn't snag on the fenders and sprockets.
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Post by JED on Jul 7, 2021 23:13:54 GMT -6
Nice looking build Dwight
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Post by BUCKY on Jul 10, 2021 22:09:15 GMT -6
Nice work, so far! Looking forward to the finish!
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Post by Dwight A. Ta-ala on Jul 11, 2021 18:25:28 GMT -6
Thank you everyone for taking the time to comment and remark to my posts. I appreciate your inputs. I managed to paint it last weekend and work on some details. I got some problems with the decals as they were already brittle and crumbled everytime I slide them off their backing paper. I managed to salvage the unit markings and numbers but I have to paint the stars. Here it is after last night's pass of washes and light dry brushing. I went for a dirty look (although not so visible in the pictures) and may add some more dirt or dust this weekend.
I am checking my parts box for some stowage items. Thanks everyone.
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Post by JCON on Jul 11, 2021 19:52:04 GMT -6
Looks great Dwight and painting the stars works!!!
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Post by JED on Jul 12, 2021 8:59:07 GMT -6
Looks ripe and ready to smash through the French bocage
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Post by Dukemaddog on Jul 12, 2021 12:23:05 GMT -6
Excellent work Dwight! You are rocking that Sherman!
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reserve
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Post by reserve on Jul 13, 2021 13:54:53 GMT -6
Nice work, looks like it's been used but not too hard. Dirt and dust can only enhance what you've done; I'd go for it in a subtle fashion.
Stars came out quite well, but if you'd like to do decals I've got a ton of extras let me know your needs
Regards, Mark
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Post by Dwight A. Ta-ala on Jul 13, 2021 21:41:27 GMT -6
Thank you very much guys for your comments.
Mark, thanks for the offer. I appreciate it very much. Let me check the decals of the other kits I have and I will let you know if I need replacements.
Again thanks.
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bravo1jon
GAINING SPEED
Why is my finger more sticky to glue than the plastic?
Posts: 341
Likes: 817
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Post by bravo1jon on Jul 14, 2021 3:47:02 GMT -6
That looks amazing. Great job and thank you for sharing it.
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Post by dogfish7 (R.I.P.) on Jul 14, 2021 8:00:52 GMT -6
Your craftsmanship abounds, Dwight. Excellent build.
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Post by RLFoster on Jul 14, 2021 8:51:05 GMT -6
Could have sworn I posted here... Excellent build, Dwight! Well Done!
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Post by BUCKY on Jul 25, 2021 10:35:44 GMT -6
Looking mighty nice!
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