This my my rendition of a dry stowage M4A3, remanufactured and sent to the ETO in 1945.
Parts used are the basic Tasca/Asuka lower M4A3 hull and engine deck parts. The upper hull is an M4A4:
The upper portion of the engine deck was sanded smooth and an armored frame was created:
The next two shots show how the rear splash rail is modified to be the correct shape for an M4A3. This also is critical to help it mate correctly to the new engine deck piece:
Here, the modified parts are in place and are being used as a guide to cut the M4A4 to the proper length:
The nearly completed forward deck. The center chain has yet to be attached:
Close-up of the fuel filler on the left hand side. Lots of weld bead detail added:
The right hand tool suite. All tools and hardware are ET Models. Fender stanchions in evidence. Each one was five parts! The E9 style fenders themselves are a bit of a trick, as they are attached from underneath rather than from the side like HVSS fenders.
Thanks for looking! More in the upcoming SoS Modeler's Guide.
Most impressive Pat. Really like the slide show on Ampersand webpage. Speaking of modelers guide, hurry up!!! Its been 2 years and 31 days since I got my copy of SoS.