http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html CRAIG PIERCE HAS CROSSED THE BORDER INTO ALLIED TERRITORY. http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#0 7107326d-0d16-4af0-bea8-be637592dd52 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF4365.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF4365.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Stock Tamiya turret, Nick Aquilar Mantlet, 75mm gun, split hatch cupola, Schumo brush guards, oil reservoirs, styrene back plate, and suspension upgrades.</p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#1 2c75369c-9ef9-4629-8786-a2b0bd4104f6 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF4368.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF4368.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Craig began fitting the Cupola.&#xA0; Second ventilator removed from turret as it was present on 105 turrets only.</p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#2 f7e9106a-e90a-46a6-a3fe-1880bb030cf5 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF4367.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF4367.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Plan is to make the cupola capable of spinning.</p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#3 4d1dfc7d-a35a-4098-99ae-db1bc35edb19 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF4366.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF4366.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Split Hatches added.</p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#4 7cf1c89f-13a6-487f-8d26-743ea429db93 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5336.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5336.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Using a razor saw, motor tool, and files I removed the molded on mud guards off of each side of the upper hull. Then using .020 styrene I fabricated the attachment bars along the bottom edges of the upper hull. The pictures below show the before and after shots of that modification<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#5 5b478b83-b981-4382-ab29-024dabf4e7dd http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5337.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5337.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Then using .020 styrene I fabricated the attachment bars along the bottom edges of the upper hull. Craig &#x201C;modified&#x201D; the design to a bit based on some reference material he found.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#6 bb448fcc-fb78-4f45-87b3-0d4c031aed3f http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5338.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5338.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Using a razor saw, motor tool, and files I removed the molded on mud guards off of each side of the upper hull. Then using .020 styrene I fabricated the attachment bars along the bottom edges of the upper hull. The pictures below show the before and after shots of that modification<br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I took these pictures to show the reshaped and thinned front left fender, and the unmodified right kit fender for comparison.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#7 642e240f-ce6a-4e03-9647-edca63600121 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5341.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5341.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I will ultimately graft a replacement stiffening rib to the fender as it was lost during reshaping. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#8 0bd87592-d9ad-4245-b985-69480b5be89c http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5340.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5340.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">By removing the mud guards the inaccurate shape of the front fenders becomes even more apparent, so I attacked them next. I considered completely removing them and replacing them with new scratch built styrene ones, but thought if I modified the molded kit parts I would hopefully end up with a stronger fender. Once the fender was reshaped, I thinned it from the underside using a motor tool, to create a more realistic scale thickness. Thinning the plastic should help in the weathering process later, where the front fenders will get some dings, dents, and possibly holes added. </span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#9 3f9574e7-224c-4646-9cf1-fc3ec0d87da9 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5345.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5345.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Reinforcing rib added. </p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#10 de00db02-ec3e-45c0-b4cb-670aec94d888 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5349.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5349.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">DSCF5349</p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#11 abea6bca-1cd5-428d-8e26-645b46a683fb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5346.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5346.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">DSCF5346</p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#12 566a61c1-03cb-456d-91f1-821f9b0db9fb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5342.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5342.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">For no reason, other than I can - I usually like to open up hatches and deck lids wherever possible or feasible. DAK co-founder and Sherman fanatic, Ethan, happened to have a left over drivers hatch from a previous build project in which he destroyed the hull but save the molded on hatches. Armed with that little nifty detail I set about cutting and grinding away the drivers hatch. </span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#13 2300350b-6ba8-4090-b86e-091840e6ad3d http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5351.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5351.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Once the new hatch was fitted I drilled and pinned the hinge with small brass wire, added an internal lip made from styrene for the hatch to close against, and back filled around the hinge to give it a little resistance. Now the hatch can be posed open at any angle, but still also closes down tight against in internal ring or lip.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#14 a38d94c6-a032-45bf-8203-5ffd7cf7e0c4 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5347.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5347.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">My </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=5582" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=5582"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">plan</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"> is to put the on/off switch inside the now working driver's hatch.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#15 344fa6e2-0cf3-4c64-9632-669c7674c9d7 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5350.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5350.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I had some thin gauge brass rod stock, that I thought looked appropriate, so I used that to create the hand grabs on the two front hull hatches. I will generally make grab handles and tie downs and little thin in scale, as&#xA0;I think it helps to offset some of the chunkiness of some of the molded plastic parts.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#16 87e5e1c6-7b62-4187-bfa2-c37ef0c4442d http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5352.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5352.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Been mostly working on the suspension. Getting it cleaned up, assembled, and dialed in. I used after market metal oil reservoirs on the shock absorbers. The initial plan was to solder them in place but getting the solder to flow was difficult. The pieces being soldered are dissimilar materials, and one is solid while the other is thin walled tubing so getting them to heat evenly for a clean solder joint proved difficult, at least for me. Instead I tacked them in place with CA, and then carefully "spooned" or dribbled 5-minute epoxy down inside the interior of the shock absorber tubing. They seem to be locked in pretty solid now. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#17 650fcc7c-d2ca-44af-b1a9-6e68c95c41ac http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5353.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5353.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Also installed Nick Aguilar's resin cast transmission cover. This piece is truly amazing. After working with urethane resins for years I am all too familiar with how much shrinkage and warpage you can get after you pull parts out of the molds. But this part hugs the lower metal hull like fitted tee on a shapely woman. seriously I don't know if I have ever seen a resin cast piece fit so perfectly to it's intended mating surface. The part looks great and the "cast" texture adds a lot over the stock injection molded plastic. </span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#18 1474b70b-f964-4c4f-af66-7a006bc6e261 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5354.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5354.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Also "mocked up" Nicks resin cast mantlet and aluminum turned barrel. It's designed to work in conjunction with the stock 105 mount but you can see gaps behind it. I may have to follow in Ethan's footsteps and use the rotor shield scabbed off of a 1/18th scale 21rst Century Toys 75mm Sherman</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#19 4f4050c8-e668-444e-beef-a5b1ee00ae5a http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5355.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5355.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">The resin rear deck by Imperial Modelbau is a nice piece and includes cast white metal detail parts and photo-etch deck screens. Should be a pretty straight forward surgery, cutting along some molded in panel lines.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#20 c73f68b1-8bc7-47f3-be07-6ba8b271f71c http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5356.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5356.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">DSCF5356</p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#21 77b44a91-1371-42fc-bdd2-3cccfbc1e4e6 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5361.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5361.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">As I mentioned earlier I now have some additonal reference material which has </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=4401" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=4401"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">led</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"> to me wanting to add some "extras".<br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I started with the </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=1767" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=1767"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">smoke</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"> mortar discharger located on the upper left side of the turret.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#22 e752b09d-d14b-459e-9640-ba054b1495d4 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5362.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5362.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I marked the location using a circle template to draw and mark the center of two adjacent circles. Used a center punch to mark the center and then using a 3/64 drill bit I drilled out both holes. Using a ball end burr in a dremel I thinned the turret plastic directly behind the mortar launcher to give it a more scale appearance.Then I used a fine dremel burr bit and round files to clean up the hole and make it a more symmetrical shape</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#23 51fd6a57-16c7-4352-956c-345ac29c9376 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5364.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5364.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">After I was happy with the overall look and shape of the opening I set about making the raised lip around it. I used thin guage solder bent around a small round file, that had a diameter that was slightly smaller then the opening in the turret. </span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#24 bc4c0b8f-6a45-4c53-9dab-8dfd2dd778e9 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5365.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5365.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Using CA I tacked the solder around the inside edge of the opening and blended it into the inside edge of the cut plastic. Then using thick CA I created a fillet around the outside perimeter.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#25 829d73ef-bfb0-4717-a102-c1c27d827b4b http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5366.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5366.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Once the glue was dry I used </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=136" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=136"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Tamiya</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"> grey putty to blend everyhting together.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#26 4e7cc486-05b3-4eba-a0e1-08d759aab4cf http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5370.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5370.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I wanted to make working hinges on the low profile gun ring used for TC's cupola, as this is obviously where the TBU will be housed. But I also wanted the ability to close the hatch up while the </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=4557" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=4557"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">tank</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"> is on display or on the contest table.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#27 923f8237-dd93-4277-8475-721a4ac31f0d http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5371.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5371.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">So I cut away the molded resin spring in the center section of the hinge pin. Then drilled out both the mount on the ring and the split hatch itself. Using .0315 (1/32nd inch) brass rod I made a new hinge pin. Once that was done I chucked another peice of the same size stock in my Dremel motor tool. I slowly rotated the chuck winding fine (.010) diameter steel thread around the brass rod. Then carefully removed the wound steel thread and slipped it over the brass hinge pin like a sleeve as it passed through the ring and corresponding hatch hinge holes.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#28 60be9ef4-0950-4d0e-9db8-11fb493410e0 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5378.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5378.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Well you know me, I try to experiment and learn something new on every project, so on this one, one of my goals is to experiment with a new material to create that pitted steel texture.<br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Well I was at the local Home improvement center and low and behold I found something and I thought, "ya know that may just work, what the hell I'll give it a shot.<br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#29 1dc3f99c-6b78-40df-90d3-3ea4ec8d60eb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5377.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5377.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Rustoleum has a line of paints called "Hammered" and it's intended to replicate hand hammered copper or bronze. The only colors they had were mettalics but I thought I would give it a try. <br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Using an extra Sherman turret I simply sprayed a few coats of this stuff straight outta the can. Goes on like any other enamel so I started with a few light coats to give it some tooth and ensure good adhesion, then ended with two relatively wet coats and set it aside to dry for a few hours. These pics don't do it justice as the sheen really reflects the light. But I think once you spray a primer gray or matte olive drab finish over it, it should look pretty good.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#30 1f1aae67-f375-481d-a8b9-4ae1fef4a683 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5375.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5375.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">It's definitely quicker and easier than doing the entire tank's surface with a small brush and bottle of Mr. Surfacer, I'd guess cheaper as well.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#31 76a062c2-1d3b-44c2-96fa-6e88235eef48 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5380.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5380.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I wanted to block off the rear intakes (grousers) as this was sometimes done on the M4A3.<br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#32 9ec18eba-9cf0-4f3f-9ebb-06d58504b8f5 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5382.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5382.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I started by removing the molded intake covers using a micro-saw. Then using a burr bit in the Dremel tool and files I leveled everything off, leaving the molded on base plate of the intake.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#33 d25d9795-aa3c-4409-b936-778e9d5ab3d6 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5383.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5383.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Using a peice of .188 styrene I filled the through hole in the hull.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#34 7afff5af-9f89-4a50-bd07-99d2b102a413 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5386.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5386.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Then using .020 styrene sheet I made a new base plate "cover". I added a small </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=1001" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=1001"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">washer</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"> and hex head attachment bolt both made from Styrene</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#35 8b177429-328b-4e44-ae61-627725dfd705 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5384.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5384.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Filled in the hole.</p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#36 b4fa8fc6-b339-4f6b-a46c-7bca5c88198e http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5388.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5388.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"> I added a small </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=1001" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=1001"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">washer</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"> and hex head attachment bolt both made from Styrene</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#37 6b40b99e-2935-43f0-9c9a-a4b5c4a74576 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5389.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5389.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">One more piece of the "major" cosmetic surgery now complete. I cut out the solid molded plastic rear deck in preperation for the new Imperial Modelbau resin peice. I started with a reinforced cut-off wheel in my dremel, and slowly worked up to the inside edge of the panel line using finer burr bits, files and sanding sticks. I took a lot of time to finesse the opening as I wanted to ensure a consistent panel line around the new piece. Dry-fitting often, showed some problems with the cast part - it was warped and not quite square.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#38 ca5df52f-2cd5-458f-a7ff-09542553c8eb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5392.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5392.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I made sure my opening was square and true, then used CA to tack the resin piece along to front edge of the back deck closest to the turret. Then I&#xA0; slightly "tweaked" the resin part to compensate for the warpage. I got the panel line even all the way around the perimeter and tacked it into place. Then using .060 styrene strip on the underneath side I reinforced the glue joints and filled the gap between the plastic hull and resin grill panel effectively creating the bottom of the panel line around the part's perimeter.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#39 9dae258a-16c4-48a3-a99a-93dc804706d0 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5395.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5395.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Because the resin part needed some tweaking so did the PE grill that fits into it's recessed opening. Scraping and file work on the the resin lip, plus lots of dry fitting and the grill dropped into place. Then just to add support I also made a brace down the center of the opening to help support the PE grill from being bent inward.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#40 0b772c22-7438-4455-a2b8-a74b76f77252 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5396.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5396.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">In and done</p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#41 a6ed8750-2cc4-40e3-a675-80cd5b8587bb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5443.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5443.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Today I headed back up to the front of the beast and worked on the travel lock. The stock </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=136" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=136"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Tamiya</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"> 105 travel lock is too large so it needs to be shortened and relocated higher in the front glacis.<br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Armed with a correct size resin part from Nick Aguilar (it belongs to Ethan) as reference I wanted to see if I could modify the kit part to work.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#42 14b3c46f-a647-49c1-bdef-395f3189d394 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5442.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5442.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I started by cutting a section of plastic out of each leg. By removing the center section I could still maintain the cross sectional detail of the legs.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#43 6b49ea3b-a69a-4d09-b4d6-d4239063f501 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5445.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5445.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Then using fine cotton thread I sliced the mounting points off of the front glacis. Using the thread means you lose very little material and you can cut irregular shapes and hard to reach places.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#44 f284610f-730b-40b0-b96f-139d98b282f0 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5448.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5448.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I created an new back plate out of styrene and then attached them higher up on the hull. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#45 7a4e65b6-6133-493a-80fd-67ae824c1958 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5451.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5451.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Once the mounting points were dry, I added welds made from Tamiya grey putty, then drilled and pinned the travel lock using .032 brass rod, so it's moveable.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#46 bb72a8fb-441d-45d0-9cd3-8cd88e9e03fd http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5450.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5450.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">I pinned the assembly to allow the accurate range of motion.</p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#47 e3c5d53c-7594-4514-985e-499a0761ce32 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5449.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5449.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Now completed, it sits where a M4A3 style travel lock would.</p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#48 f144381a-dd3e-42d9-a38c-ee96804b80f3 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5455.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5455.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Tonight I decided I was going to tackle the one part I was kind of dreading, the airbox-exhaust deflector. I've been putting this off for awhile, and I just got to a point where I needed to get after it. Ethan had a resin airbox (not sure if it's a BYA or possibly a Nick A. part ) that I used as a pattern, and after much thought of how I wanted to put it together, I threw caution to the wind and started cutting and gluing.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#49 09f82673-400c-4e6e-abf2-39c7aadc1755 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5452.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5452.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I stood the resin part on end and traced the silouette of each end onto some .040 styrene. Then using three pieces of 1/2" x 1/2" pine cut to length, I glued them in an "L" shape.<br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I decided to make the airbox out of solid wood covered in a styrene skin. I chose the wood as I wanted to make it stout. I </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=5582" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=5582"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">plan</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"> on screwing it directly to the rear plate at final assembly.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#50 66a0080f-96a1-4231-9bd0-ac2f31fcd2e7 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5453.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5453.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I then went about cutting the styrene louvers and spacers that would be needed<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#51 25efd7b3-aab0-4de0-b5ba-d3a215a4da5e http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5456.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5456.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Once I had all the parts sized, cut out, and dry fit several times I got down to construction.<br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I started by gluing on a .125 x.125 spacer to the bottom edge of the wooden "L". Then added a .040 louver, then a spacer, another louver, etc. until I had all the louvers in place. I then glued on one end cap to stabilize the louvers and then sanded the other ends flush with the wood. I then added the other end cap and the floor of the airbox.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#52 1552f5f6-f938-4241-991d-f65fd1d6d83c http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5457.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5457.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Anywhere the plastic was attached to the wood I used super glue (CA) and all styrene to styrene joints were put together with solvent (Tenax 7). I hoped in this way the joints would be strong and stable.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#53 1fa6ba37-be8c-4e5b-ae5d-d5fb3e7b5510 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5458.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5458.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Once the lower portion of the box was done, I used .020 styrene to skin the front and top section of the box. Finally I went back and added .125 verticle stiffening ribs to the louvers.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#54 4935a18b-6b9c-40a7-8ce6-bf1ca279252d http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5463.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5463.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Here are a few shots with the new airbox mocked up on the rear of the </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=4557" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=4557"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">tank</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#55 ef689f29-0715-4765-9df4-2410e65d5ff0 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5464.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5464.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"/></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#56 8ebfbff5-0245-4292-85fe-cb1a3b37f367 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5461.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5461.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#57 371c93eb-af29-4ab4-af69-ee80e07ba5b9 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5462.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5462.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"/></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#58 19a6e4c1-b8ef-469c-b0bd-a108cde42d86 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5481.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5481.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Anyhoo, tonight I decided it was time to see if I could successfully thin all of the stock plastic kit brush guards for the headlights, taillights and horn. Schumo does make a set, but as I've mentioned before I'm cheap and if I can save $70, plus avoid having to wait two-four weeks to get it, I'm at least willing to try. I know my plastic bits will be fragile when they're done, but until I break them beyond repair, who knows maybe then $70 bucks would become a bargain.<br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#59 1cef7141-69f3-480d-b74f-a967d38eb1ee http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5484.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5484.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Using my calipers I scribed a line at .030 in from the inside edge of each of the guards, effectively marking the center of the .060 thick part. Then using a small burr bit in my dremel I slowly ground away material from the inside perimeter of the part. Then I finished everything off with files and several grits of sandpaper. <br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#60 74a192ea-20ac-49a9-9906-a341e9fa5d02 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5487.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5487.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">They're a definite improvement over the thicker stock parts, and should look more scale once everything is painted up and weathered. <br/></span></p><p class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#61 e833d64d-6336-46cf-86a4-f19c16eae000 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5488.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5488.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Like I mentioned earlier sorry for the blurry images, but I'm hoping you can still see the results of thinning them down compared to the locator holes in the hull. The first picture shows the stock part on the right and the thinned kit part on the left. My </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=5583" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=5583"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">plan</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"> is to use solvent to attach them, then reinforce the joint with CA, and finally add a weld bead made of putty.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#62 e0aecfad-3791-4bd1-bb62-0ea47e564b7e http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5490.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5490.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Armed with all the reference material Ethan supplied has really pushed me to add some additonal mods and details. In an earlier post, I mocked up Nick's resin mantlet and aluminum turned barrel. The resin mantlet was desinged to worked with the stock Tamiya 105mm articulation and turret opening, but it does leave some visible and unsightly gaps all the way around the mantlet.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#63 e1f69735-c7aa-4c3c-a483-68d5a05edaa9 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5491.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5491.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">On several earlier Sherman builds, Ethan had robbed the rotor shield off of a 1/18th scale 21rst Century Toy's Sherman, and scabbed it onto the Tamiya turret with good success. Armed with "Modeling the US Army M4 (75mm) Sherman Medium Tank" by Steven Zaloga (Osprey Publishing) I thought I would to tackle the necessary modifications to make my M4A3 as accurate as I reasonably could. Fortunate for me Ethan had an extra 1/18th scale rotor shield he was willing to share.The 21rst Century Toys Sherman has the earlier style M34A1 rotor shield with a flange all the way around it's perimeter, but what I needed to model was the later E5721 configuration without the flange. Because of it's smaller scale the part would also need to be "scaled up" to look correct. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#64 e6211a77-cab7-4073-ac9f-db9d5ab7e6ca http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5493.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5493.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Using a razor saw and miter box I removed the flange off of the left end of the rotor shield, and then cut it into three segments. This way I could leave the inboard slots alone but still grow the over all length of the part. Keeping the gun slot in the center, and maintaining the position of the two inboard slots would be critical. The inboard slots align with two cast bolt heads on Nick's resin mantlet. The </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=5583" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=5583"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">plan</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"> is to drill out the resin bolt heads and replace them with real ones that will pass through the mantlet, through the two inboard slots on the rotor shield and through backing plates that they will be bolted too. This will effectively "pinch" the rotor shield between the backing plate and the resin mantlet, and the slots will allow the anchoring bolts to travel up and down - while elevating and depressing the gun.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#65 f70c1fab-02a8-43a1-a4a8-7693c24da189 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5494.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5494.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I figured out how much I had to "stretch" the rotor shield and decided the best method would be a combination of lengthening the part and reducing the the size of the turret opening. Actually the turret opening would have to get slightly narrower and taller.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#66 6bf88180-773c-4958-928f-cab0e7c8d0ec http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5495.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5495.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Using .060 styrene spacers I glued everything back together using Tenax 7 plastic solvent. I then added .080 ribs to each side of the stock turret opening using Tenax and reinforced the joint from the backside with CA.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#67 651f8114-933c-4b0a-90fc-b925c448b455 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5500.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5500.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Tonight I installed the rotor shield and did the initial engineering on&#xA0; the "pinch point" attachment system. I've dry fit the mantlet a few times and have started to figure out if&#xA0;I can still utilize the stock elevation unit, and just design a bracket to attach it directly to the aluminum barrel, or if&#xA0; I'm going to have to come up with a way of installing a servo unit.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#68 8eccd6e9-f05d-4155-bc2f-7fc34ad1246c http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5501.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5501.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I also puttied over all of the flange bolts in preperation for drilling out new ones that are evenly spaced after everything has been resized. I definitley think the effort was well worth it, and I happy with the results thus far.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#69 cdca3ecf-5122-46f0-8253-a08f87963585 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5496.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5496.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Using the Osprey </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=6097" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=6097"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Book</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"> as reference I modified the rear door, scratchbuilt collars for the exhaust stacks, and then modified the kit exhaust to more closely depict the accurate shapes on the M4A3. Once everyhting is painted and weathered I think it should do quite nicely!<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#70 aa3d1ec9-22eb-4547-bdb8-ac143681834e http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5497.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5497.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Then I installed the scratch built airbox using 3/8" steel cutter </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=1637" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=1637"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">screws</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"> ran directly into the wood body of the airbox. The screws give me some adjustability, keeps the box secure, and will ultimately allow me to remove it should the need ever arise.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#71 7468944e-704d-4bc8-a56e-7194c3659b16 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5498.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5498.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">With the putty drying on the turret, it was time to head back out to the ass end of the beast.I think I mentioned before, I try building my tanks to be as stout as I can because I drive them very hard in battle. Whenever possible I use solvent on all plastic to plastic joints, and then usually reinforce those with CA.&#xA0; So I epoxied Schumo's rear plastic plate to the tail end in an effort to create a better platform for gluing on all the plastic detail bits.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#72 8c9c678e-6a7e-40cd-8e46-e3c42a2069f9 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5732.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5732.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Working on the elevation I started by using the stock Tamiya elevation arm flipped over. I then used part of the stock emitter clip from the 105 mm Howizter (I'll be putting the emitter in my 75mm aluminum barrel - sans the flash unit) and some flat styrene stock to make a "D" shaped sleeve. I filed a corresponding flat on one side of the aluminum barrel to essentially "key" the barrel and sleeve together.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#73 662f0365-7c5a-41ff-a3b4-bf72bff71334 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5731.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5731.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I modified a simple snap link and the </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=5237" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=5237"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">ball link</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"> provided in the kit, then cut down a piece of all-thread to the appropriate length. In the first few test runs there was bit too much play where the snap link held onto the elevation arm. I rectified this by cutting several .020 spacers out of styrene. Now the modified snap link pivots easily with little to no torquing or twisting.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#74 f666ab99-1915-4aa5-9e7c-ec39352a087a http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5735.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5735.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">The best part is that I was able to use the stock elevation unit and and mounting system and not have to mess with locating and aligning a servo. The entire unit is very stable, is still adjustable using the all-thread and it works well, yet it is easily removed and worked on if necessary as the sleeve is nothing more than a friction fit, and all of the linkage can be removed simply by removing the small brass pin.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#75 dd7dbba1-3bf6-4a8c-a9f1-2a39f9cf32ad http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5723.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5723.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 15px; " class="style_2">The Sherman turret is a bit tight internally, and once you glue the bottom ring onto the turret it's tough to get at anything inside of there. So taking Ethan's advice and following what he has done on several of his previous builds I modified my turret to make the bottom ring removable.</span><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3"><br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#76 129a19c5-b4b4-4dd7-a43c-ddd1c66f15af http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5724.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5724.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 15px; " class="style_2">The bottom ring is made with the bottom portion of the rear bussle molded to it. I simply sliced it off and permanently affixed the bottom of the bussle to the top part of the turret and cleaned up the seam. No worries there really as I will be adding texture to the the turret to make it more accurately depict the sand casting used in the production of it's 1 to 1 counterpart.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#77 e2c19626-dc07-41d8-915a-85b6fa1e552f http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5728.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5728.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 15px; " class="style_2">I then fabricated three .060 styrene attachment plates for the inside lip of the turret body, and reinforced them with styrene strip. I drilled corresponding holes through the turret ring and newly made mounting blocks. Then I counter sunk the holes in the bottom of the turret ring, and secured it with flat head </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=1637" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=1637"><span style="line-height: 15px; " class="style_2">screws</span></a><span style="line-height: 15px; " class="style_2"> so they would not interfere with the turret traverse.</span><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3"><br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#78 84097ce8-e79e-4164-912a-f46ca64f2614 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5729.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5729.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 15px; " class="style_2">A simple and quick fix that solves one of the issues with this kit - Thanks Ethan!</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#79 c817dd2a-ca34-4fc6-90b5-718101159160 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5726.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5726.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">As I have mentioned so many times before, my favorite part of this hobby is the finishing (painting and weathering) so I really like to add some of the little extras that make the tank look visually appealing. For this reason I had planned to duplicate the "cast texture" of the turret. Earlier in this thread I had experimented using a "hammered metal" texture paint, but was unhappy with the results. Especially since I used Nick A."s resin cast transmission cover and that has really nice cast in texture and detail.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#80 c7b4ee33-77e9-46d2-b030-49f478ae28d5 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5727.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5727.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">I tried something new and am happy with the results. Way back when I had refurbished a Panther G (some of you may have read that thread), and had used vinyl wall spackling to make the zimmermit paste. Because it was a water based material it gave me a lot of control and was very easy to use and add damage too. My </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=5583" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=5583"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">plan</span></a><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3"> was to take the same idea one step further using it on this project.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#81 e433ff08-08a3-4c04-9e02-8c1956e8cd9d http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5736.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5736.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">But I found the spackling was simply too thick and wanted to separate if I tried to thin it too much. So as I returned my can of spackle to my garage, sitting on the same shelf was a bucket of joint compound (wall mud) used for covering tape seams and nail heads when hanging drywall (sheetrock).</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#82 6961c87d-0f8a-4c7c-bc06-f711b64db5dc http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5737.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5737.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I thinned the joint compound to about the consistency of yogurt and using a triangular make-up sponge I snagged from my girlfriends vanity I set about applying an uneven stipple pattern. As it dried I went back in and added more compound in areas I thought was a bit too smooth. Like the spackle it is water soluble so it is easy to control and clean up. I didn't worry about getting it on molded on details as it easily wiped off with a Q-tip dampened with water. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#83 e8dcc438-0122-4f3d-b672-db6a739c2767 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5738.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5738.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Once I was happy with the coverage I set the entire turret aside to dry overnight. The next day using a 320 grit sanding sponge I knocked down all the high areas, and made it more uniform. After all was said and done, I added the remaining turret details and locked down the texture coat with several coats of black primer. The layer of joint compound was relatively thin so the primer should penetrate it and effectively lock it down onto the plastic. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#84 b90ddff8-eeff-43e0-975b-f6ff41d37c23 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5739.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5739.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">This Sherman will ultimately be white washed and I think the cast texture is really gonna pop once I add some washes to the white color.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#85 15b9ef44-5ca3-4ca3-abe1-93430face1a3 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5745.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5745.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 15px; " class="style_2">Well I took Jeff's idea and applied my poor man approach to solve the same problem. I had purchased and installed wheel bearings when I did the suspension, so I had a baggie containing the stock wheel collets. I also had some styrene tubing of the appropriate diameter.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#86 691c072b-3727-4eca-8ecf-9e0e19ed8ab4 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5741.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5741.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 15px; " class="style_2">I started by marking three small rectangles on the flat surface of the hull plate below the bottom of the turret ring, and out of the way of all of the traverse mechanism. Then using a 5/64th drill bit I drilled out three holes within each drawn rectangle and then used micro files to join the holes, and square up the edges. I ended up with a rectangular through hole slightly longer and wider than the wheel collet stood on edge.</span><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3"><br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#87 58f43e73-efb7-4fa1-9a3c-a0994a28d4e4 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5743.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5743.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 15px; " class="style_2">Moving to the underside of the hull I used a Dremel motor tool to grind a cylindrical channel perpendicular to each rectangular through hole.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#88 2b27f25c-e438-438f-b8ee-a4bfdee41ef7 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5746.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5746.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 15px; " class="style_2">I slowly worked each channel to the proper depth until the wheel collet passed through the lower hull and sat about 1mm higher than the top surface of the lower hull.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#89 2b602df0-0a55-46c7-a03b-d473ad6e0182 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5753.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5753.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 15px; " class="style_2">I then cut 1/2" long pieces of the styrene rod to act as an axel that the wheel collet would spin about.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#90 34ae7e1f-7cbc-4c09-9606-8dde6a03d2f2 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5747.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5747.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 15px; " class="style_2">The turret will now sit on top of the three collets that act as a bearing surface. Because they are small they offer little friction or resistance, plus they spin freely, so the wheel collets act as bearings and literally allow the turret to glide over the hull plate</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#91 7664339c-2c43-4995-b0c2-20d676c850ce http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5754.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5754.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Wired all of the lights and working bow machine gun <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#92 de3d738e-d0ee-4d2e-9b53-f74171583b3b http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5755.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5755.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Light and horn guards have been added.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#93 8e6f587a-d7cf-4dcf-8e94-7f3cfeb54d6a http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5763.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5763.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I chose to use the stock plastic parts that have been thinned to half their original thickness</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#94 93f859c3-dce2-46fa-bc09-5d8d2e5c6352 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5761.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5761.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Handles made of brass wire rplace the plastic handles.</p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#95 2605c378-609c-43a6-a790-e39d9ae254ea http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5756.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5756.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Metal brush guards have also been added to both the hull and turret periscopes</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#96 034e1ae9-5431-42ba-aa34-3ef662fedd5f http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5758.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5758.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Working hatches are now secured with rare earth magnets, and the head of a roofing nail (which provides good surface area)<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#97 077613d0-0025-4aab-be91-a6e0c131df75 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5759.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5759.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Working hatches were drilled for new brass grab handles (the stock plastic was simply too weak for the strength of the magnets)</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#98 6ccad63f-4659-41de-a7d1-7cdc87d60222 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5760.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5760.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I used the original 1974 kit 30 cal. machine gun to fabricate a coaxial machine gun (cooling holes and barrel have been drilled out)<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#99 887afca3-ece9-4341-b6eb-f1324036c061 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5762.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5762.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 15px; " class="style_2">Brass hand grabs, white metal hinges and hex bolt details have been added to the new resin rear deck</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#100 1202ff28-fe76-4d80-bd7c-7fbd03661ccf http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5916.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5916.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">I decided to go back in and add the step and tow pin that are supposed to be on this version.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#101 dc421a6c-d5b8-443b-87bd-b04bfb6af5b2 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5917.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5917.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">I used Nick R.'s resin cast transmission cover which features a double eyelet design</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#102 5d60a9be-be00-474e-a3c2-9991cab89b49 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5764.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5764.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">Using some scrap brass strip and a spare wing-nut, I pilfered from the "K" sprue of the Tamiya Tiger I static kit, I added the cable stay to Nick's cast resin transmission cover.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#103 070ab044-c03e-4a4b-af73-f0bd5d4c9728 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5765.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5765.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"/></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#104 80a437d5-319c-432e-8a3c-016be55c58bd http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5782.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5782.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Armed with some Bamboo skewers, popcycle sticks, and round tooth picks I set out to replicate the tools.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#105 32c7dcfe-6b12-450d-8fb7-b818c5d7b75f http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5784.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5784.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">It's pretty straight forward really, I just traced the handle shape (in the case of the axe handle) or took some simple dimensions (sledge and shovel) like the diameter and the length<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#106 a266012e-63f9-428b-87c2-9cd67bd92d95 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5788.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5788.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Then started cutting, and shaping using my Dremel motor tool, files, and sanding blocks.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#107 fe4520b5-3969-4ed0-a8f3-dd7b0f42fe35 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5790.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5790.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Once the handles were the desired shape and size I reworked all of the plastic parts that needed modifying. The axe head for example, is not molded to show the wooden handle passing through the metal axe head, so I drilled mine out so that the new wooden handle passes through the axe head just like on it's life size counter part.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#108 667f85a0-fd83-4a60-b59a-9b2cc7b4792e http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5785.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5785.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Plus the kit part is molded as one with the tool holder, so I cut it off and filed the axe head to shape.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#109 2a71e0e7-5eed-4989-89a7-d94ed17c98d5 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5791.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5791.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">By removing the thick and chunky plastic tool holder I can replicate it and tie down straps and buckles with photoetch, sheet styrene, and brass or copper wire.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#110 22c8ca84-61e7-442a-b0aa-3f80d3ec07ab http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5892.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5892.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Plus I had neglected to modify the stock machine gun mount. On the Tamiya kit the machine gun mount for the top of the turret is made with a three legged raised design made to go over the the top of the ventilator. Well if you recall the 75mm doesn't have the extra ventilator, so it was removed (filled and puttied), so obviously the machine gun could now be secured flush to the turret top with a mounting plate. The first picture show the unmodified stock part, and the second picture shows it with the "tri-pod" legs ground off<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#111 732bc107-5384-480e-b885-b3068ece1620 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5890.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5890.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I went to the trouble of scratch building real wood tool handles, but in the process lost the molded on mounting points. I had planned all along to replace them with more accurate PE and styrene </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=989" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=989"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">fasteners</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">. But I also forgot to "fill in" the attachment holes molded into the upper hull. I used various diameter styrene rod to fill the hole.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#112 56501515-7955-4939-b573-487af5d29815 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5891.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5891.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">The rod was glued with solvent from the inside, cut almost flush with the outer surface, then filed and sanded smooth. New tool fasteners will be next</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#113 a95c34b7-02e9-4946-a69f-f46975df82a9 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5894.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5894.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">Armed with several reference books (one really good one on modeling the 75mm Sherman by Osprey [Steve Zaloga]) I spent the last few evenings working away at all of the scratch built tool holders and </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=989" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=989"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">fasteners</span></a><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#114 8ae8ae64-b5ed-4dd7-8e36-5e47b5b2da6e http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5895.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5895.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">All of the </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=1635" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=1635"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">tools</span></a><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3"> had already been modified with real wood handles and the stock molded-on tool holders have been removed. This meant reworking most of the tool heads and/or the replicated metal parts of the tools as well.</span><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#115 9fdf6e20-390c-4ad2-8497-519a0300cf34 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5896.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5896.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">Using styrene and brass rod, strip, sheet, and tubing I made several types of hangers for each of the tools. Then I went into my spares box and used some extra PE pieces that I either modified or scratch built just using the left over PE fret. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#116 df6203fd-bac2-468c-9ab1-c80a1c458ce8 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5893.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5893.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">For the functional tool tie downs I marked and drilled .090" through holes in the hull .200 on-center.</span><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#117 0da84d78-5a4d-469a-9763-1fc928460469 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5899.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5899.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">Once the holes were drilled I cut pieces of .090" styrene tubing to short lengths (.060" long) on my chopper. The center hole of the .090" tubing is approximately .030" so I used some 1/32 (.0315") diameter brass rod bent into a horseshoe shape. The styrene tubing was inserted into the holes and left standing about .030" proud of the outer hull surface.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#118 42cc3318-06af-480b-b3f1-1d5ad0689e31 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5908.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5908.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">The tubing was glued on the inside surface of the hull using solvent (MEK). Once the solvented tubing had dried the bent brass rod was inserted into the tubing and glued from the inside using CA <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#119 67ac8fb1-910e-4537-890c-367cd6580af6 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5910.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5910.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">Once the </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=3396" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=3396"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">paint</span></a><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3"> is applied all of the tools will be lashed down to the tie downs using straps made from tape with PE buckles.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#120 0ca1e8ff-c915-4766-9b90-2d5235c9d1bf http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5913.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5913.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">Using .020" diameter copper wire I made the retainer pins that secure the gas caps in place on the rear deck. I used an .024" micro drill to drill a hole in each gas cap and then bent and inserted the copper wire. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#121 ec87ddad-cb1c-4388-b736-2fe46acc621c http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5914.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5914.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">I then bent lengths of the same wire around a .060 diameter brass rod to create the retaining "hoop" which would get attached to the rear deck. Using the same drill bit I drilled two small holes and inserted the retainer hoop. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#122 d47dbfd6-6ba2-450a-a762-9372873b9866 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5915.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5915.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">After threading one end of a small length of chain onto the hoop and the other onto the retaining pin everything was secured with CA</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#123 7f65d071-c9c9-43e0-8f8e-2b618eab4fa4 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5919.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5919.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">Using high quality artist's oil paints I mixed a thin wash that I then used to stain the wooden handles a light mahogany color. I chose to use the oil paints over water colors in hopes that the </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=3396" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=3396"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">paint</span></a><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3"> and thinner would not raise the grain as much as water colors would, plus the density of pigments in the oil paint would hopefully produce a richer colored effect. I then set that aside to dry for a couple of days. <br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">After the paint was dry I sealed the paint and wood with a quick shot of Testor Dullcoat. Then added a wash of dark brown water color to help accentuate the grain strike.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#124 51e0d7a4-b137-49e8-80ba-a63433c82bce http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5920.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5920.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">The wooden handles were then masked off and the metal parts of the tools were sprayed using Testor's brand buffable metalizer paint. I chose </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=6677" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=6677"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">stainless</span></a><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3"> steel and plate aluminum. Once a few light coats were applied I allowed the lacquer based paint to dry thoroughly. Once dry I used a soft cotton rag to buff the finish to a bright sheen. Next will come a layer of darker mettalic grey or gunmetal acrylic paint. Once that is painted on I will be able to "rub through" the acrilic paint exposing the brighter color underneath making it look the metal in worn and shiny on the edges. Then I will add layers of green and whitewash paint to represent field applied paint that will also be worn through.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#125 cb9320f7-cd5b-424c-9e5c-a646fae6282a http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5921.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5921.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">All of the Shermans in this group build (mine included) were all first finished in flat black primer. This served as a solid foundation color, and tied all of the different medias (plastic, resin, brass, copper, aluminum) together.<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#126 0410ed59-7e1a-451f-ae98-e08c37ce1237 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5922.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5922.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">The dark color was applied as a pre-shade so it also serves as the first layer of weathering. Meaning that as the color coats are applied I intentionally let the black undercoat show through, especially at the edges and soft corners.</span><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#127 7dfe2aca-f8f8-4cb0-825b-b3de6bf4c587 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5923.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5923.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">This helps to add a tremendous amount of depth and dimension to the </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=3396" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=3396"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">paint</span></a><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">. This technique really helps prevent that flat "toylike" appearance, especially on monochromatic schemes. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#128 06b8e63b-9b06-458b-860e-2ab072daded0 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5924.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5924.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">Remember too, that the olive green (which was intentionally lightened) will also serve only as a base color, as these tanks will ultimately be whitewashed. The hope is that by layering the finish I can more accurately duplicate what was applied to the real 1 to 1 tanks these represent.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#129 e8218d04-1b24-4564-bdd7-eb28ce8d5d0b http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5925.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5925.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">As promised here is the next round of in-process pictures showing the progression of the </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=1635" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=1635"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">tools</span></a><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">. All of the metal parts were painted with a mixture of matte black and gun metal acrylic </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=3396" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=3396"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">paint</span></a><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">. Once dried the paint was "scuffed off" with a damp Q-tip and rolled up paper towel.</span><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#130 8b995d63-d2a2-42c1-ab02-1478b050e151 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5926.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5926.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">Once I was happy with the wear </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=7017" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=7017"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">pattern</span></a><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3"> the tools were given a thin wash of matte black acrylic and then dusted with Tamiya steel weathering paste to help even everything out and give the tools a more consistent metallic sheen</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#131 e3c655b6-c310-422e-a058-3f56c0a29900 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5927.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5927.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">Came to a screeching halt on the painting of the group of Shermans (which includes mine) as I am awaiting delivery of some Archer transfers I need for the bumper codes. And those need to go on next, before I start the whitewashing process. Hopefully I'll get my hands on them tomorrow. But in the meantime I went back to adding some details. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#132 477fdc04-890d-475a-b3e4-2304019d09e9 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5928.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5928.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">This time I followed Ethan's lead and added a more accurate tool bracket for the ideler adjustment wrench on the back ledge of the rear deck. Tamiya simply molds a raised cylindrical post or boss on the rear hull plate. This can easily be improved.</span><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"><br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#133 c96d7b38-ea8d-4613-938f-09501a5d34b4 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5929.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5929.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">So I shaved the post off marked the center of the location, then drilled a .156" (5/16 inch)diameter through hole. Then cut a like diameter piece of aluminum tubing and inserted it. I then used an .024" micro drill and drilled a through hole in the top edge of the aluminum tubing to accept a locking pin. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#134 897ebaa7-e81a-484c-abc2-a12701462849 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5930.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5930.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">I used a short piece of .020" copper wire to make the retaining pin and attachment hoop. The retaining pin had a small loop added by wrapping the wire around the tip of some fine tweezers. I then threaded some fine chain onto the retaining pin and the attachment hoop. The hoop was then CA'd into two small holes that had been drilled into the surface of the rear deck using the same .024" drill bit chucked in a pin vice.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#135 5ccc1db7-f2a8-46cb-90c2-ca234feee1df http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5931.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5931.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">Finally before I called it a </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=6134" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=6134"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">night</span></a><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3"> (it's just after 1am local time) I decided to head back up to the front of the Allied beast. Because this group of Shermans have all had the majority of the same modifications and will wear the same paint scheme I want to make each tank still look individual and unique, so for mine I plan on scratch building some tow cables, and want to add quite a bit of stowage. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#136 48370ac9-66a4-4a36-aaa4-4c904273aa05 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5932.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5932.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">I added the commonly seen wooden "shelf" across the front of the transmission cover, and captured between the front fenders. But I designed mine in such a way that I can still add the tow cable without it interfering with the stowage shelf. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#137 081070de-b61f-409f-b288-2dbaedc80d37 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5933.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5933.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">I started by making two pieces of 90 degree </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=6986" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=6986"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">angle</span></a><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3"> stock out of .125 X .030 styrene strip cut to .400 in length. The strip was glued at right angles using MEK solvent, and then added to the bottom edge of the inside lip of the front fenders. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#138 bd9e9b6d-5e55-4e6d-9040-4a0204c7cd71 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5934.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5934.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">I then used two pieces of .25 X .080 Balsa strip to make the structural wooden planks. After cutting them to length, I used a small chisel to split and chip the edges giving them that very old used look of discarded lumber (perhaps the crew picked them up in the rubble a bombed out building somewhere in France). I glued the two strips together using wood glue and then added support batons to the underneath side from additional pieces of balsa strip. Once I was happy with the overall size and shape I used a course rasp to add scratches and gouges to stay consistent with the look. They should look pretty cool with chipped and peeled paint. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#139 b9fb9041-ffcc-4558-9125-309fba1235e0 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5935.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5935.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_3">I then cut out a section of the wood to make a pass through where the tow cable will be attached to it's cable tie down lower down on the transmission cover.</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#140 b762984e-df7a-4572-a033-8bc62064b5c8 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5952.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5952.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">DSCF5952</p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#141 732cd15d-abf9-4b69-8e48-e115baeabe8e http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5953.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5953.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Following Ethan's lead, I added a retaining chain to hold the fuel filler cap on the jerry cans. I drilled out each of the caps for the 5 gallon fuel cans with a .020" micro drill bit in my pin vice. Then I used a small piece of .010" wire to make a retaining hoop to secure a piece model railroad chain through the center of the cap. I then drilled another hole in the center of the fuel can before I glued on the handle, and secured the opposite end of the retaining chain through a second hoop made from the same wire. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#142 cbec3cb5-61b5-471d-8752-8b34d5a1d6cd http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5947.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5947.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Next came the K ration boxes, as I wanted to add some visual interest I decided to spruce them up a bit as well. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#143 ce36f1df-6c28-4834-9dde-0040a6d226c8 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5948.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5948.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">I searched the internet and found decent pictures of individual meal meal boxes (Breakfast, Supper, and Dinner) and they were in very colorful boxes. Armed with these pictures and using the stock Tamiya "wooden" crates my </span><a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=5583" title="http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=5583"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">plan</span></a><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1"> was to have one completely sealed crate, one that has a broken lid that you can see the crate's contents through the broken wood slats, and a third crate that has the top completely removed and some of the individual rations boxes removed. <br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#144 87d794e6-c688-4154-b74a-3d9c4717c29d http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5949.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5949.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">To fill the void of the empty crate (and make them look full) would require an internal structure to affix the reduced meal box pictures too. Using thin styrene sheet I made a simple shelf, for the crate with the broken lid, and for the open crate, that would have some of the meal boxes removed, I made a shelf with a stepped down area in the center. I then added styrene strip to the side walls of the crate that would act as shelf supports<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#145 e5c9ef69-0de9-4719-a92f-7ee365f92a96 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5950.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5950.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Next I used sheet balsa to make a "new" real wood crate lid. After cutting the new lid to size I simply scored lines into the surface to represent the wooden slats. I then took some small square stock and made batons (Braces) on the underside of the lid. Then using an X-acto blade and 1/4" chisel blade I "broke" several of the slats to make the crate lid look damaged<br/></span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#146 dc154081-c477-4446-b97f-7372de9a6acd http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5951.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSCF5951.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Free_Form"><span style="line-height: 14px; " class="style_1">Obviously the crates themselves still need to be painted as does the white styrene used for the interior structure, decals added and weathering applied. But here are some in-progress pictures to give you an idea what they will look like</span></p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#147 284faff8-8568-4981-a615-658a12d1eeac http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/IMG_0073.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/IMG_0073.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">IMG_0073.JPG</p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#148 4d11f51b-7856-4155-883d-9da532e7b0d5 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/IMG_0076.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/IMG_0076.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">IMG_0076.JPG</p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#149 e77b40c1-6f5c-4389-a731-6583908374fb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSC_0718.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSC_0718.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">DSC_0718.JPG</p></div></div> http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75.html#150 8a469dc1-f5f6-49c5-a32c-d9249d1d4ec2 http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSC_0574.jpg?derivative=thumb http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%29_75_files/Media/DSC_0574.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">DSC_0574.JPG</p></div></div>