Thanks for all the feedback, guys. I was up in Canada for a week earning the $$ for building my tanks (and maybe eating), so I haven't had time for posting anything. I have done a little research regarding correcting the Pershing to the Cologne tank. From what I can tell in the pictures I've seen, the WWII Pershings didn't have the telephone box on the rear of the hull, so I'll have to remove the backing plate I've attached. I will also, unfotunately have to add the tie downs on the fenders and storage boxes. I'm not sure what to do about the oversized blower housing other than blanking out two of the four vents on either side. It's kind of hard to tell the difference in the Cologne film I'm using for my primary reference. I also see that the tracks supplied by Tamyia are Korean War types (T-81?), but I figured I'd wear these out and replace them with the proper steel tracks (T-66?).
I'd like to open the driver's periscope. It would be hard for him to drive buttoned up without that!
I really regret having glued the engine deck hatches shut. I want to wire a switch and plug for recharging the battery through the assistant driver's hatch. It would be a pain to have to remove the turret every time I want to recharge the battery. I know I've seen it done here on the forum. Does anyone know how to wire the switch so I don't have to disconnect the battery from the DMD each time?

BTW, I started this thread after having assembled some of the tank. I had replaced the bushings with sealed ball bearings already. I will deal with the TBU and the turret once I finish with the hull!