One more M4A3 conversion.
03-06-2010, 04:02 AM
#1
One more M4A3 conversion.
Well, they say imitation is the highest form of flattery so what do you call it when someone wants you to copy your own work? We'll call it an artist's commission. One of the DAK faithful has shown good judgement and wants his newest vehicle to be an "accurrized" Sherman just like my good old "Dorothy"
Once again we will take a Tamiya Sherman, mix it with Mato, scratch the rest and have a little fun doing it.
I will be doing this build from the Parts Box and other sources, so 1st step is hunting and gathering. First to arrive is another MATO Sherman. Thanks again Blitz.
I already have most of a 75mm turret conversion in the pipe so now all I need to really get started is a Tamiya upper hull and lower hull Pan. Ebay is a wonderful place sometimes.
Once again we will take a Tamiya Sherman, mix it with Mato, scratch the rest and have a little fun doing it.
I will be doing this build from the Parts Box and other sources, so 1st step is hunting and gathering. First to arrive is another MATO Sherman. Thanks again Blitz.
I already have most of a 75mm turret conversion in the pipe so now all I need to really get started is a Tamiya upper hull and lower hull Pan. Ebay is a wonderful place sometimes.
03-06-2010, 11:46 AM
#2
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RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
You guys are out to drive Craig crazy. Well there will be one more nice Sherman prowling for the kill. Soon our Cats will be out numbered. Keep the pics coming!
Richard
Richard
03-06-2010, 12:02 PM
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RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
Just curious why anyone hasn't done an IDF conversion of the Sherman.....the Israeli's did some really neat stuff withthe Shermans....then you couldhave some Egyptian T-34'sand have some "Six Day War" scenarios.....even with the kits available there's a little room room to break out of this WW2 funk that rc armor has been stuck in for the last20 years, and get into more "cold war" era stuff....
**just to cover my butt IloveWW2 equipment, but it does get a bit old building thesameold stuff alllllllll thetime!!**
**just to cover my butt IloveWW2 equipment, but it does get a bit old building thesameold stuff alllllllll thetime!!**
03-06-2010, 12:13 PM
#4
RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
ORIGINAL: Disposable Hero
Just curious why anyone hasn't done an IDF conversion of the Sherman.....the Israeli's did some really neat stuff with the Shermans.... then you could have some Egyptian T-34's and have some ''Six Day War'' scenarios.....even with the kits available there's a little room room to break out of this WW2 funk that rc armor has been stuck in for the last 20 years, and get into more ''cold war'' era stuff....
**just to cover my butt I love WW2 equipment, but it does get a bit old building the same old stuff alllllllll the time!!**
Just curious why anyone hasn't done an IDF conversion of the Sherman.....the Israeli's did some really neat stuff with the Shermans.... then you could have some Egyptian T-34's and have some ''Six Day War'' scenarios.....even with the kits available there's a little room room to break out of this WW2 funk that rc armor has been stuck in for the last 20 years, and get into more ''cold war'' era stuff....
**just to cover my butt I love WW2 equipment, but it does get a bit old building the same old stuff alllllllll the time!!**
Patience grasshopper, what do you think I am doing with all those spare Mato hills and HVSS suspensions I replace? As soon as some one finishes a T-55 I will have a surprise for everyone.
03-06-2010, 12:26 PM
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RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
hmmmm.....something going on in the "skunk works"........... huh???
........word has it from Hooben that my T-55 ships out next week(FINALLY)....Not sure what scheme I was gonna go with yet was thinking something Syrian/Egyptian....buthaven't found anything I really like yet still looking...If you do start to build some IDF's I will definatelly buy one!
........word has it from Hooben that my T-55 ships out next week(FINALLY)....Not sure what scheme I was gonna go with yet was thinking something Syrian/Egyptian....buthaven't found anything I really like yet still looking...If you do start to build some IDF's I will definatelly buy one!
03-09-2010, 11:13 PM
#7
RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
Isherman is for another day, back to my current favorite topic.... 75mm recoil!
I posted my videos to youtube again, take a look
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPyYKFyOC6M
I posted my videos to youtube again, take a look
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPyYKFyOC6M
03-24-2010, 04:34 AM
#8
RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
Finally, some tangible progress of the M4A3 conversion for my club member. I have received the needed parts from all over the globe and am in assembly mode. This time I am tackling the issue of closing up the surplus holes in the Tamiya metal pan while adapting the VVSS suspension.
Sheet styrene cut to shape and super glued to the hull, that simple. Allows for a better gluing surface than the aluminum for my later add-ons, hatches, towing lugs, etc. I added rod along the plate edges to simulate weld bead.
Sheet styrene cut to shape and super glued to the hull, that simple. Allows for a better gluing surface than the aluminum for my later add-ons, hatches, towing lugs, etc. I added rod along the plate edges to simulate weld bead.
03-24-2010, 06:24 AM
#9
RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
Looking good man, looking good! I thought of going the Tamiya lower hull route, but my main intention is just a fun project with as little work as possible, and to do something with this Mato Sherman.
Last night while pounding a few liquid refreshments down I figured out a way to mate the rotor shield with the M34A1 mantlet. Good thing I have a loooong barrel to work with!
By the way, any special Sherman you're doing for this club member?
- Jeff
Last night while pounding a few liquid refreshments down I figured out a way to mate the rotor shield with the M34A1 mantlet. Good thing I have a loooong barrel to work with!
By the way, any special Sherman you're doing for this club member?
- Jeff
03-24-2010, 07:47 AM
#10
RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
VVSS prep includes drilling out the two locating holes on the hull pan, using the idler to locate points to drill pilot holes and use the screws that came with the mato kit. I also cut the locator tabs from the Bogie and cleaned them up to attach inside the hull. Last addition is my custom backing plate to stiffen the connection between bogie and hull.
Upper hull work includes removing mud skirt, moving the travel lock brackets, opening the hatches with thread, and cutting out the radial engine deck. The M4A3 had a more angled rear plate and I make a replacement form sheet styrene. Another necessary mod for this type is to remove the grousers (air scoops) from the rear hull sides.
Upper hull work includes removing mud skirt, moving the travel lock brackets, opening the hatches with thread, and cutting out the radial engine deck. The M4A3 had a more angled rear plate and I make a replacement form sheet styrene. Another necessary mod for this type is to remove the grousers (air scoops) from the rear hull sides.
03-24-2010, 08:03 AM
#11
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RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
ORIGINAL: edoubleaz
VVSS prep includes drilling out the two locating holes on the hull pan, using the idler to locate points to drill pilot holes and use the screws that came with the mato kit. I also cut the locator tabs from the Bogie and cleaned them up to attach inside the hull. Last addition is my custom backing plate to stiffen the connection between bogie and hull.
Upper hull work includes removing mud skirt, moving the travel lock brackets, opening the hatches with thread, and cutting out the radial engine deck. The M4A3 had a more angled rear plate and I make a replacement form sheet styrene. Another necessary mod for this type is to remove the grousers (air scoops) from the rear hull sides.
VVSS prep includes drilling out the two locating holes on the hull pan, using the idler to locate points to drill pilot holes and use the screws that came with the mato kit. I also cut the locator tabs from the Bogie and cleaned them up to attach inside the hull. Last addition is my custom backing plate to stiffen the connection between bogie and hull.
Upper hull work includes removing mud skirt, moving the travel lock brackets, opening the hatches with thread, and cutting out the radial engine deck. The M4A3 had a more angled rear plate and I make a replacement form sheet styrene. Another necessary mod for this type is to remove the grousers (air scoops) from the rear hull sides.
I have heard of using thread to cut out hatches etc. Does anyone have some pics on how it is done? Do you just hold the thread between your fingers, ( if so, how to you hold the part?), or is there a type of tool that holds the thread. Another question , what type of thread works best? I know that this may be a tyro question, but I just haven't seen it covered, just mentioned. Thanks for your patience.
Jim
03-24-2010, 08:23 AM
#12
RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
Hey Jim, you just clamp your work to the bench and yes ... hold the thread with your fingers, but wear gloves as this will be much more comfortable and use a small drill bit to start the hole. I may explore that option on mine if I find the extra time so watch my build thread. I wasn't planning on any other extra work but that might be fun to do.
If you have extra hatches you might just use a dremel to remove the stock ones. This would be a lot faster.
- Jeff
If you have extra hatches you might just use a dremel to remove the stock ones. This would be a lot faster.
- Jeff
03-24-2010, 08:34 AM
#13
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RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
Jeff,
Thanks for the info and while I don't wish anymore work on you ( I can't believe the projects you have going) It would be great to see some pics. When using the thread method, are you able to use the hinges that you cut off? Thanks again.
Jim
Thanks for the info and while I don't wish anymore work on you ( I can't believe the projects you have going) It would be great to see some pics. When using the thread method, are you able to use the hinges that you cut off? Thanks again.
Jim
03-24-2010, 09:45 AM
#14
RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
I can add that yes, if you use the tread method the hinges are intact and I am able to pin them and make them workable.
http://web.mac.com/ethandunsford/DAK...n_Hull.html#16
http://web.mac.com/ethandunsford/DAK...n_Hull.html#16
03-24-2010, 11:52 AM
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RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
Jeff,
Just one more question, what type of thread works best? Thanks again, and thanks edoubleaz for the build thread ( almost a play on words for the subject LOL)
Jim
Just one more question, what type of thread works best? Thanks again, and thanks edoubleaz for the build thread ( almost a play on words for the subject LOL)
Jim
03-24-2010, 12:25 PM
#16
RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
Ford GAA engine. 500hp V-8, gasoline powerplant. AKA, different engine deck with grill. I have added the BYA resin version to two previous projects, but in this economy, scratch is better. "Dorothy" Turned out well so number two should be easier.... right?
I use good old sheet styrene and measurments from my first conversion. This time I fit a .40 styrene base to the underside of the upper hull and framed in the upper hull elemets with more styrene.
I filled the "trench" underneath the grill with some spaeker cloth and cut the rods form evergreen no 422 plastic rod. So far so good. Engine progress took the length of "Blackhawk Down" on cable this morning.
I use good old sheet styrene and measurments from my first conversion. This time I fit a .40 styrene base to the underside of the upper hull and framed in the upper hull elemets with more styrene.
I filled the "trench" underneath the grill with some spaeker cloth and cut the rods form evergreen no 422 plastic rod. So far so good. Engine progress took the length of "Blackhawk Down" on cable this morning.
03-24-2010, 12:37 PM
#17
RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
Looks good Ethan! I tend to use parts that are available and scratch build what isn't.
Your screens are turning out very nice!
Hey Jim, on the thread just use what's available to you and go from there. Soon you will see what works best but do practice on some old plastic before jumping in with both feet on your Sherman hatches.
- Jeff
Your screens are turning out very nice!
Hey Jim, on the thread just use what's available to you and go from there. Soon you will see what works best but do practice on some old plastic before jumping in with both feet on your Sherman hatches.
- Jeff
03-29-2010, 03:15 AM
#18
RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
Spent the weekend at the CAF hanger driving tanks for the crowds at a military vehicle show but managed to get some time in on my latest Sherman build. Started to add my tool stowage brackets by replacing the Idler tension wrench post with real tube. I Drilled out the holes for the retainer pin and added the retainers to the filler caps as well.
Next in the project is my own Idea for a traverse improvement. First step, measure the opening (10.3 CM for those keeping track) and use mu trusty circle cutter to start cutting out the hole.
Next in the project is my own Idea for a traverse improvement. First step, measure the opening (10.3 CM for those keeping track) and use mu trusty circle cutter to start cutting out the hole.
03-29-2010, 06:33 PM
#19
RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
ORIGINAL: edoubleaz
Next in the project is my own Idea for a traverse improvement. First step, measure the opening (10.3 CM for those keeping track) and use mu trusty circle cutter to start cutting out the hole.
Next in the project is my own Idea for a traverse improvement. First step, measure the opening (10.3 CM for those keeping track) and use mu trusty circle cutter to start cutting out the hole.
Looks like I am going the same route as you did with the engine deck. Can you say "resin shrinkage"?
- Jeff
04-07-2010, 01:40 AM
#20
RE: One more M4A3 conversion.
Heavy lifting essentially done and now we work on the details. Grille and hinges done, tools (almost done) and stowage (getting there) in progress, brush guards, siren and hatches under way.
My "secret" turret traverse solution is to add a ring to the existing Tamiya upper deck and fit the Mato ring and drive motor. Much CA, putty and sanding later, I think I have it worked out. I cut out the lower portion of a mato T-23 turret to make it work. Added a .80 styrene plate to mount the recoil and elevation and I believe I have a workable setup as before. My elevation mount is giving me a bit of trouble but I think it is service-able.
Took in progress vehicle to the the good old IPMS meeting. Crowd loves a big model!
My "secret" turret traverse solution is to add a ring to the existing Tamiya upper deck and fit the Mato ring and drive motor. Much CA, putty and sanding later, I think I have it worked out. I cut out the lower portion of a mato T-23 turret to make it work. Added a .80 styrene plate to mount the recoil and elevation and I believe I have a workable setup as before. My elevation mount is giving me a bit of trouble but I think it is service-able.
Took in progress vehicle to the the good old IPMS meeting. Crowd loves a big model!
