M4A3E8 SMA Big Spring Contest 2011

[Tanker52]

Here is what I will be building for the 2011 SMA Big spring contest!!!
More to come on the progress of my build here soon.

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[Tanker52]

This is a picture of the tank that I am building from the Korean War of the 5th Regimental Tank Company.

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[Tanker52]

Contruction begins with the HVSS suspension bogey. The Hobby Boss kit captures the details nicely. Compare the pictures below.

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[Tanker52]

Basic construction is about 90 percent done. The photo etch was a challenge and I think it turned out well. Just about all the kit parts fit together like a glove. There are some seam lines on the turret that I had to fill and still have to sand. I will post a video on my youtube channel, scalemodelrendezvou7, soon covering the construction.

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[Junkie]

Looking great. 90% complete is a really good place to be - and there's still lots of time.

Welcome to SMA and thanks for posting.

 

[redraider56]

I'll be watching this one closely as I intend to do a 1/48 Sherman for next year's contest.....if I can wait that long

 

[Balki]

Looking good Karl. Soon you will be slapping some paint on it.

 

[TRM]

Looking pretty good Karl! Love the design too. Will be watching! ;D

 

[Grendels]

WoW! 90% done. I would love to be there right now. Good looking work too.

 

[noname]

The paint scheme certainly stands out. Are there decals for all of it or will there be some difficult painting ahead?

 

[Tanker52]

The kit comes with decals for the eyes and mouth. I am debating weather using them or not. The rest the tiger scheme I will have to paint. I have painted a tiger face before on a M24 Chaffee. I used a template for the tiger's teeth. So I might do something similar with the mouth of the M4A3E8.

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[Quaralane]

Looks like an interesting idea

 

[ScaleModelMadman]

Excellent subject!

8)

 

[Haggistom]

Wicked Paint Job!

 

[Tanker52]

Update on where I am at on my build....Easy 8 is primed and is ready for paint! I decided to paint the tiger face instead of using the decal. Before I start painting, I did a rough sketch with pencil to get an idea of how it would look and to put together a plan to paint this by hand. I am going to shorten the top of the mouth just a little. I think I have it too far up looking at the reference photo. I was thinking of making a mask for the teeth but may decide to do it freehand. :-\ I'm sure this is how the tankers did it in the field.

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[MilitaryAircraft101]

GRR those teeth are menacing. I say "discard the decal" you have plenty of time

 

[Grendels]

I agree if you can replicate your sketch, then go for it!!

 

[MilitaryAircraft101]

Thats right - what Grendels said. ;D

 

[Tanker52]

;D first coat of paint Tamiya olive drab mixed with buff 80/20 ratio and flate white. ;D

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[Tanker52]

Thanks for the encouragement...

GRR those teeth are menacing. I say "discard the decal" you have plenty of time

I agree if you can replicate your sketch, then go for it!!