Firefly IC hybrid build
06-02-2008, 03:23 AM
#27
RE: Firefly IC hybrid build
Yes I did battle with the tank and I must say it is beyond expectation at this point. I added a crude coat of OD for the festivities and I took a picture of it on the table but I did not get any in action shots due to my vanity.
After the battle I did some more finishing of the hull and sanded down the welds to my liking. A thin coat of Squadron green putty gave me the texture I was looking for. I retouched the areas that needed the texture and added bolts, handles, plates and hinges to the areas that lack detail or had scratchbuilt components. Attention was given to the engine door, door stops, bolts and the hole for the engine crank.
I have finally updated my build page on the DAK site. http://web.mac.com/ethandunsford/DAK...IC_HYBRID.html
Enjoy
After the battle I did some more finishing of the hull and sanded down the welds to my liking. A thin coat of Squadron green putty gave me the texture I was looking for. I retouched the areas that needed the texture and added bolts, handles, plates and hinges to the areas that lack detail or had scratchbuilt components. Attention was given to the engine door, door stops, bolts and the hole for the engine crank.
I have finally updated my build page on the DAK site. http://web.mac.com/ethandunsford/DAK...IC_HYBRID.html
Enjoy
06-03-2008, 05:00 AM
#28
RE: Firefly IC hybrid build
Progress marches on. Today's topic is turret detail and hull stowage. Brass rod was shaped into the turret tie downs and the hull stowage mounts. I bent them with needle nose pliers and used super glue and putty to fair them in. The hull tie downs will get straps and buckles over the tools. I decided to paint this set of tools the same color as the tank since it was very common. I moved the Track tensioner and sledge to the back as was common on this mark of Sherman. I don't have a crankshaft rod at this time so that will be a later add as well.
Next came the handles for the filler caps and the chains that secured them to the hull. I made a gun bore brush from styrene tube and 00-90 threaded rod and built the brackets from styrene and brass from an old photo etch set.
On the turret I also added brass parts to the loaders hatch and rear turret bustle. Then I built the rear stowage bin from styrene and added some latches and hinges. Grandt line bolts secured it to the radio box and the tank is ready for more Primer and paint.
Next came the handles for the filler caps and the chains that secured them to the hull. I made a gun bore brush from styrene tube and 00-90 threaded rod and built the brackets from styrene and brass from an old photo etch set.
On the turret I also added brass parts to the loaders hatch and rear turret bustle. Then I built the rear stowage bin from styrene and added some latches and hinges. Grandt line bolts secured it to the radio box and the tank is ready for more Primer and paint.
06-03-2008, 06:37 AM
#29
RE: Firefly IC hybrid build
Looking good, I like it a lot.
That was a clever work around on the gun mantlet you did there, I spent hundreds of hours on mine, sculpting and sanding etc.
Cheers
Alan.
That was a clever work around on the gun mantlet you did there, I spent hundreds of hours on mine, sculpting and sanding etc.
Cheers
Alan.
06-07-2008, 01:19 AM
#36
RE: Firefly IC hybrid build
Now to the weathering. I am using the airbrush extensively this time. First I dusted Tamiya field Grey over the entire tank to give a modulated look. Next cam a coat of Khaki followed by DK Yellow. For road dust I used DK earth on the tracks and lower hull.
Acrylic wash applied by a 2 inch sponge brush and followed by a round of pastels and a pencil to make the worn edges. The pencil was also used to create high traffic areas on the tank. Dull coat seals the deal.
Now it is time for the stowage and accessories. I am placing a few boxes on the back and some netting.
Acrylic wash applied by a 2 inch sponge brush and followed by a round of pastels and a pencil to make the worn edges. The pencil was also used to create high traffic areas on the tank. Dull coat seals the deal.
Now it is time for the stowage and accessories. I am placing a few boxes on the back and some netting.
07-18-2008, 01:10 AM
#38
RE: Firefly IC hybrid build
Ethan,
That is one excellent build, & one I've bookmarked as reference for my next build using the hull I got from Nick.
Hopefully that will be before HL comes out with theirs.
Chuck
That is one excellent build, & one I've bookmarked as reference for my next build using the hull I got from Nick.
Hopefully that will be before HL comes out with theirs.
Chuck
07-18-2008, 01:23 AM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Escondido,
CA
Posts: 2,841
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Firefly IC hybrid build
A work of Art in realism, that is one sweet machine! There is going to be a lot of Allied tanks at this next battle! My Pershing is ready soulfly is bring his, and of course Alan, SD sTeve, Steve and Jeff all have Allied tanks, and Iam sure i missed a few guys,, we could have some very large Axis and Allied battles on Saturday!
The Blitz
The Blitz
07-18-2008, 12:33 PM
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Santa Rosa,
CA
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Firefly IC hybrid build
Very nice, would love to build one like it, the Sherman's a great tank to build and yours turned out sharp.[sm=thumbup.gif][sm=thumbup.gif]
Gary
Gary
01-04-2010, 03:04 PM
#44
RE: Firefly IC hybrid build
It took 18 months but now my "waist up" conversion is about to get real. I mated the Mato Sherman suspension to my Firefly and did a general over haul while it was on the table. My main problem with this build was elevation but a few improvements aside it was fairly straight forward. I replaced my original 21st century toys rotor shield and Nick Aquilar mantlet with our new DAK custom parts and I am really happy with the result. I added some aluminum to the gun tube to give it more balance and built a pivot to give a more stable travel arrangement. More to follow.
01-04-2010, 07:55 PM
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Grande Prairie,
AB, CANADA
Posts: 8,976
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
RE: Firefly IC hybrid build
That is what that Firefly has been waiting for. Again great work. Have you modifed the suspension yet, or is this a later project? i.e. Modifed the Mato suspension to fully functioning.
01-05-2010, 03:34 AM
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Grande Prairie,
AB, CANADA
Posts: 8,976
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
RE: Firefly IC hybrid build
ORIGINAL: edoubleaz
Look Closer... The suspension is on and working with the Tamiya gear boxes.
Look Closer... The suspension is on and working with the Tamiya gear boxes.
Yes I see it on there, but I was wondering if you modded it to function or if it is the stock Mato parts.
01-10-2010, 03:38 AM
#50
RE: Firefly IC hybrid build
VVSS IN COMBAT! I have been waiting almost 5 years!! Firefly performed flawlessly and made a splash on the field. I also added our DAK custom mantlet and rotor shield to repair some previous battle damage. Elevation is a wonderful thing!.