Eduard M4A1 Sherman

[Second Air Force]

Here are a few photos of the completed first stage of this build. For markings I chose "Frantic" from the 1st Armored Division, 13th Armored Regiment. The timeframe is early spring of 1944 at the Anzio invasion area. There is a fair chance that my father at some time may have worked on this machine as his unit went ashore at Anzio quite early and stayed throughout. He did once tell me of the strange camouflage that was applied to some of their tanks in Italy with the white countershading on the barrel and lower hull. His remark was that it didn't make a lot of sense to paint white on the hull under the tracks when it would all be mud-covered in a few minutes of operation!

Eduard M4A1 Sherman

Eduard M4A1 Sherman

Eduard M4A1 Sherman

Eduard M4A1 Sherman

Eduard M4A1 Sherman

Eduard M4A1 Sherman

So, in review, I can say this has been one of the most enjoyable and relaxing kits I've built in some time. Fit of all parts is excellent, many great design features of the molding are here, the PE and clear parts are wonderful and decal choices offer good variety. I've done quite a lot of Sherman research (courtesy in great part to some files No.1 sent me some time ago!) and the kit is quite accurate in shape and detail. Thanks to Eduard for the review kit provided. You can get one (and I highly recommend that you do) here: http://www.eduard.com/store/Eduard/Plastic-kits/Profipack/AFV/1-35/M4A1-Sherman-1-35.html

Sorry to Eduard for the long time taken for this review build. I haven't any excuse for dragging this out and I'll try to do better in the future.

Soon I will begin Phase II of this build--adding G.I. equipment and some Italian soil!!

[No.1]

Excellent build and I can just imagine what will be next update!!!

[Second Air Force]

First I need to get some track sections and other items.

[Second Air Force]

As I mentioned in the last entry, this project requires some extra track, and this arrived finally:

Eduard M4A1 Sherman

I had high hopes for this track, since the Tiger I tracks went together so well. However, there is quite a lot of cleaning and filling to do here......Each track segment has a rather large ejector pin mark right in the middle of the inner pad. These had to be filed flat and then filler used to make them smooth. Rather large molding stubs also have to be filed off each shoe on front and back. In addition, the side connector links have a rather large mold stub that must be carefully removed before assembly. Once all the flash and imperfections are corrected the tracks go together fairly well.

Eduard M4A1 Sherman

[No.1]

This look great!!! And a lot of work I guess

[Second Air Force]

Yes, these are more work than the Tiger tracks, but that is how the real tracks went together. The ejector pin marks are sort of aggravating, though.

[draken35]

Very nice! I love it!

[Second Air Force]

The Sherman has had its accessories added now, the gasoline and water cans are from the Eduard kit, various canvas packages from a Tamiya source (I forget where right now) and a few items from my spares bin. I'll get some better photos when the weather outside permits.

Eduard M4A1 Sherman

Eduard M4A1 Sherman

[No.1]

More details, more realistic and attractive

[draken35]

Very nice!

[Second Air Force]

Thanks!

[Second Air Force]

To close out this thread, here are a few outdoor photos of the Sherman with the extra track and accessories:

Eduard M4A1 Sherman

Eduard M4A1 Sherman

Eduard M4A1 Sherman

[No.1]

Excellent look

[modellius]

great !

[draken35]

Splendid!